HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1184

                       As Passed House

                      February 17, 1993

Title:  An act relating to formation of less than county-wide port districts.

Brief Description:  Modifying the requirements for the formation of a less than county‑wide port district.

Sponsors:  Representatives Edmondson, Mastin, Sehlin, Bray, Ludwig and Grant.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Local Government, February 4, 1993, DP;

  Passed House, February 17, 1993, 92-4.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives H. Myers, Chair; Bray, Vice Chair; Edmondson, Ranking Minority Member; Reams, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dunshee; R. Fisher; Horn; Rayburn; Romero; Springer; Van Luven; and Zellinsky.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  A port district may be created that is countywide.

Legislation was enacted in 1992 authorizing less than countywide port districts to be created for the third time since port districts were initially authorized to be created if:  (1) the port district has at least $75 million in assessed valuation; (2) the county borders on the saltwater; and (3) the county already has a less than countywide port district.

This legislation expires on July 1, 1997.

Summary of Bill:  One of the restrictions is deleted limiting the counties in which a less than countywide port district could be created, so that the county no longer must border saltwater.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This will allow a less than countywide port district to be created in the upper valley of Yakima County.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  (Pro):  Pat Berndt, Mayor, city of Yakima; Chuck Klarich, Yakima County Commissioner; and A. K. Wintzer, Yakima County Development Association.