SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5316

                    As of February 3, 1999

Title:  An act relating to infrastructure financing in rural counties.

Brief Description:  Providing financial assistance for the development of public facilities in rural counties.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Rural Economic Development:  2/8/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff:  David Schumacher (786-7474)

Background:  The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) makes grants and loans to political subdivisions for roads, bridges, and other public facilities.

Summary of Bill:  CERB is directed to spend 75 percent of funds available for financial assistance on public facilities in rural counties.  These funds are provided for projects that are financed from the 0.04 percent sales tax credit available for distressed areas.

Rural counties are defined as counties with population densities less than 100 persons per square mile.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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