AN ACT Relating to international capital projects; adding new sections to chapter 43.31 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.131 RCW; and making an appropriation.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A large number of major urban and rural development projects, which are often referred to as "capital projects" are undertaken each year throughout the world. Certain of these projects are of such magnitude as to require the expertise and resources of a consortium of businesses. Additionally, initial government involvement is often advantageous for businesses attempting to secure contracts for capital projects.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) "Capital project" means a major urban or rural economic development project including, but not limited to, highways, ports, public facilities, power plants, irrigation systems, resorts, and sewage systems.

(2) "Consortium" means a partnership, copartnership, joint venture, joint stock company, business trust, corporation, association, or any group of businesses acting as a unit for the purpose of securing a capital project.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. There is established, as a project within the department of trade and economic development, the office of capital projects. The office shall:

(1) Assist Washington state businesses in obtaining international and domestic capital projects;

(2) Assist Washington state businesses in the formation of consortiums, when appropriate, which have the range of services and technical skills to compete for capital projects. Consortiums shall include at least one business with its principal place of business within Washington state.

(3) Assist consortiums and businesses in Washington state to market their services and products in international markets;

(4) Compile information on capital project opportunities for Washington state businesses including:

(a) Identifying those types of Washington businesses with the type and level of expertise to participate in various capital projects; and

(b) Identifying the type of capital projects and international markets which have the greatest potential for Washington state businesses to provide products and services;

(5) Provide information to Washington state businesses on the purpose and services of the office of capital projects;

(6) Provide initial assistance to consortiums in securing capital project contracts, including such intergovernmental contacts as considered appropriate with countries or regions where capital projects are proposed; and

(7) Provide information to businesses on trade tariffs, quotas, government regulations or other trade restrictions which may affect Washington state businesses.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The department, through the office of capital projects:

(1) May receive funds, coordinate with other governmental agencies, and carry out such other duties as are deemed necessary to implement the provisions of section 3 of this act;

(2) May receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from private or public sources as may be made available in trust or otherwise for the use and benefit of the office of capital projects, and expend the same, or any income therefrom, according to the terms of gifts, grants, or endowments;

(3) May charge reasonable fees or other appropriate charges for using the services of the office of capital projects, for attendance at workshops and conferences sponsored by the office, and for various publications and materials of the office. These fees shall be charged to defray the costs of operation of the office of capital projects; and

(4) May actively seek cooperation and funding from the private sector.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Contracts entered into by consortiums do not constitute a contract with the state of Washington, and do not incur a liability, obligation, pledge of faith, or credit of the state of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The office of capital projects is prohibited from entering into any legal or otherwise binding contract with foreign governmental units or consortiums in relation to a capital project.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. The department of trade and economic development shall actively promote and support the efforts of the office of capital projects to achieve the goals of section 3 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Sections 1 through 7 of this act are each added to chapter 43.31 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:

The office of capital projects and its powers and duties shall be terminated on June 30, 1994, as provided in section 10 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:

The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective June 30, 1995:

(1) Section 1 of this act and RCW 43.31.---;

(2) Section 2 of this act and RCW 43.31.---;

(3) Section 3 of this act and RCW 43.31.---;

(4) Section 4 of this act and RCW 43.31.---;

(5) Section 5 of this act and RCW 43.31.---;

(6) Section 6 of this act and RCW 43.31.---; and

(7) Section 7 of this act and RCW 43.31.---.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. There is appropriated from the general fund to the department of trade and economic development for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, the sum of ninety thousand dollars, or so much thereof may be necessary, to carry out the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.