S-1883               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 5996

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State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Senators Benitz and Hayner

Read first time 2/21/89 and referred to Committee on  Energy & Utilities.

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 and the higher education coordinating board on the study directed by this act.  The report shall specifically consider the advisability of establishing associate arts 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.