Brief Description: Establishing a community mitigation program.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, McCoy, Pettigrew, Eickmeyer, Kenney and Morrell.

Hearing Date: 2/19/04

Staff: Matt Kuehn (786-7291).

Background:

Major public projects can lead to a combination of positive and negative economic effects in the localities where those projects are made. The economic impacts on those localities where major public projects are sited are not currently identified.

Communities that are the site of major public projects cannot mitigate the consequences of that siting.

Summary of Bill:

The bill only pertains to major projects. Major projects are defined as projects estimated to cost over $1 million. The official representing the governmental entity that is proposing a major project must make a determination over whether the project will create a probable, significant, adverse impact.

If the responsible official determines that there is a probable, significant, adverse impact to the major project then an economic impact statement is prepared.

The economic impact statement may be limited to probable adverse impacts which are significant.

The economic impact statement may be combined with the environmental impact statements that are prepared in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Every major project proposal must include detailed statements by all branches of government, state agencies, municipal and public corporations and counties. The statements must include the major projects economic impact, whatever unavoidable adverse economic effects caused by the project and what alternatives to the major project.

Governmental branches, state agencies, municipal and public corporations and counties also are directed to make consult with the departments of revenue and community, trade, and economic development (the department) regarding economic and financial indicators and impacts. The governmental bodies are finally instructed to study, develop, and describe any alternatives for all proposals.

Appeals to the act must be linked to major project proposals. An appeal may be made for the adequacy of a final economic impact statement, a determination of significance of an adverse effect, or procedural or substantive issues in the determination.

The department must adopt rules providing uniform procedures and guidelines to all branches of government, state agencies, municipal and public corporations and counties. The rules authorized include criteria for when a major project has a significant adverse impact, procedures for preparation of economic analysis and detailed statements, the scope of the detailed statements, public notification procedures, compliance timelines, and the implementation of the policies and procedures described in the act itself.

The rules adopted by the department must coordinate with SEPA environmental review rules. The department may consult with state agencies, state and local governments, and various organizations and groups.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.