SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5993

BYSenators Benitz, Stratton, Newhouse and Hayner

Transferring certain lands at Hanford to the department of trade and economic development.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; February 28, 1989

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

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

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 state responsibilities relating to the 1,000 acre lease are transferred from the Department of Ecology to the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED).

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Present statutes are retained which direct the Department of Ecology to oversee state responsibilities of the lease.  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.  The appropriation to DTED is changed from $300,000 to $40,000.

Appropriation:    $40,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 21, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Barry Bede, US Ecology (pro); Gordon Rogers, citizen (pro); Dan Silver, Governor's office; J. Boldt, Westinghouse