H-1807              _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 2137

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Cantwell, Moyer, Rasmussen and Walk

Read first time 2/22/89 and referred to Committees on Trade & Economic Development/Appropriations (3/1/89).

AN ACT Relating to targeted sector programs for economic development; adding new sections to chapter 43.31 RCW; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The department shall establish targeted sector programs in the areas of advanced technology, agriculture, and natural resources.  The purpose of these programs shall be to improve the marketing of these targeted areas nationally and internationally in order to improve economic development by increasing sales of products in these targeted sectors in Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The department shall increase the marketing of Washington's products in the areas of advanced technology, agriculture, and natural resources in domestic and international markets by:  (1) Organizing trade shows, (2) organizing trade missions, (3) providing counseling and assistance to existing Washington businesses, and (4) promoting investment and joint venture opportunities between businesses in the targeted areas.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The department shall also help local governments build local capacity to take advantage of additional opportunities from the targeted sector programs under sections 1 and 2 of this act.  The department may also provide technical assistance to businesses in addition to marketing to enable the businesses to take advantage of additional opportunities under targeted sector programs.  This local capacity development is especially needed in the areas of agriculture and natural resources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     The department shall report on its targeted sector programs to the trade and economic development committee in the house of representatives and the economic development and labor committee in the senate each January.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     The department shall work with industry trade groups, local governments and local economic development organizations in implementing the target sector programs.  The department shall seek and utilize nonstate funds to help carry out these programs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.     One hundred fifty thousand dollars is appropriated from the general fund for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, to the department of trade and economic development to carry out this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7.     Sections 1 through 5 of this act are each added to chapter 43.31 RCW.