S-2171               _______________________________________________

                                         SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5996

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz and Hayner)

Read first time 2/24/89.

AN ACT Relating to a study of the feasibility of a waste management education and training program; creating new sections; and making an appropriation.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that the management and safe disposal of hazardous and radioactive waste requires highly specialized skills.  The technical and legal requirements for proper disposal of future wastes and environmental restoration of existing waste sites will require the training of a workforce skilled in waste management.

          Existing research efforts and waste management in southeastern Washington may provide a unique opportunity for vocational, professional, and business training in waste management and disposal.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     (1) Washington State University and Columbia Basin College are directed to study the feasibility of establishing programs for waste management and related technologies involving institutions of higher education, state waste management programs, and private industry.

          (2) The sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the general fund to Washington State University for the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     Washington State University and Columbia Basin College shall, by July 1, 1990, report to the legislature, the state board for community college education, and the higher education coordinating board on the study directed by this act.  The report shall specifically consider the advisability of establishing associate in applied sciences and preprofessional transfer programs at Columbia Basin College, and baccalaureate degree and graduate degree programs at the Tri-Cities University Center of Washington State University.