H-3580              _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 2605

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1990 Regular Session

By Representatives Jacobsen, Nelson, Miller, H. Sommers and Todd

Read first time 1/17/90 and referred to Committees on Energy & Utilities/Appropriations.

AN ACT Relating to emergency communications systems; creating new sections; making appropriations; and declaring an emergency.

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

        Sec. 1.       The legislature finds that a reliable communications system is vital to the effective and rapid response of emergency services in the aftermath of a major disaster.  Since the destruction resulting from natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms can damage existing communications systems, emergency backup systems are critical to ensure prompt and continuous response to save lives and protect property.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The department of community development shall study the capability of existing state, county, and city communications systems to survive a major natural disaster such as a storm or earthquake.  The study shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the adequacy of existing systems, the existence and effectiveness of any backup systems, the identification of high-risk areas in the state needing immediate attention, and recommendations for emergency communications systems in which compatibility between new and existing systems is taken into consideration.  To the extent possible, the department shall incorporate existing studies in its findings and recommendations. The department shall present its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than November 1, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     (1)  To qualify for funds to implement the recommendations required under section 2 of this act or to conduct studies of local communication capabilities, local governments shall provide an equal match of funds.

          (2)  Local funds spent after January 1, 1989, used directly for evaluation of existing emergency communications systems, shall be counted as a local match for purposes of qualifying to receive state funds as provided for under subsection (1) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     (1)  The sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the general fund to the department of community development for the cost of the study in section 2 of this act.

          (2)  The sum of six million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the general fund to the department of community development to be used as a state matching program for local governments to improve emergency communications systems.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.