BILL REQ. #:  H-2351.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/27/07.   

     AN ACT Relating to the establishment of a growth management needs and priorities task force; creating a new section; making an appropriation; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) A growth management needs and priorities task force is established for the purposes of gathering information, identifying issues, and developing recommendations on policy choices related to the effective implementation of the state's growth management act.
     (2) The task force shall consist of community leaders appointed by the governor after consultation with the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives. The task force is chaired by the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development. Staff support shall be provided by the department of community, trade, and economic development.
     (3) The task force shall convene its first meeting not later than August 1, 2007. The task force shall consult with local governments and other groups responsible for, affected by, or involved in the implementation of the growth management act. The task force may secure research and facilitation services by contract, and may establish work teams or advisory groups, as needed, to support their work.
     (4) The task force shall secure an independent assessment of the effectiveness of land use programs in Washington in achieving the goals of the state's growth management act. The assessment shall rely on available information and focus on key benchmarks for each goal of the act.
     (5) By December 1, 2007, the task force shall issue a report with recommendations on legislative and executive actions that address, at a minimum, the following topics:
     (a) How to improve the effectiveness of the growth management act to meet the goals set forth in chapter 36.70A RCW;
     (b) How to best meet the infrastructure and basic service needs of growing communities, including schools, local roads, fire and police service, and water, sewer, and other utilities, with recommendations for financing these service and infrastructure needs;
     (c) How to best provide incentives to accommodate projected growth, protect resource lands, and protect critical areas;
     (d) How local governments are prepared to address land use changes associated with climate change; and
     (e) Address any recommendations for additional topics that warrant continued work by the task force or by other groups.
     (6) This section expires December 30, 2007.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.