SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5993

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz, Stratton, Newhouse and Hayner)

Promoting the use of one thousand acres leased on the Hanford reservation.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; February 28, 1989; January 30, 1990; February 2, 1990

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5993 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Nelson, Owen, Patrick, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:David Monthie (786-7198)

                  February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In 1964 the state entered into a 99 year lease of 1,000 acres of federal land located at Hanford.  The lease stipulates that the state may sublease the land for encouraging nuclear-related industry to locate on the site.  Original oversight of the lease was under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development.

The Department of Ecology presently oversees the lease.  The state has subleased 100 acres to one firm which operates a commercial low-level radioactive disposal facility on the site.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development is directed to promote the existence of the lease and the possibility of subleases for nuclear related industries.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

The department is also required to promote the existence of the highly skilled and trained work force in the Tri-Cities area, and the availability of such facilities as the fast flux test facility and the Pacific Northwest Laboratories.

Appropriation:    $40,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 26, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: No one