BILL REQ. #:  H-2025.1 

Read first time 02/19/2007.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to assessing the higher education needs of the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The higher education coordinating board shall assess the higher education needs in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties and recommend to the legislature solutions to the higher education needs. Solutions that the board should consider include, but should not be limited to, establishment of new baccalaureate institutions, expansion of existing institutions to include baccalaureate degrees, and colocation of institutions. In conducting its assessment, the board shall take into account but not be limited to the following: Population growth, higher education participation rates, economic demand and workforce needs, and drive and commute times to existing institutions of higher education.
     (2) The board may contract for an assessment of sites to meet higher education needs in the counties.
     (3) In conducting the assessment and siting study, the higher education coordinating board shall consult with the state board for community and technical colleges, the workforce education and training coordinating board, the local business community, and the existing research and comprehensive institutions.
     (4) The board shall assemble a local advisory committee to assist in the conduct of the assessment and siting study. The committee shall include: (a) One city official from each city within the four counties; (b) two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (c) two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate; and (d) eight education or business leaders from within each of the four counties.
     (5) The recommendations to the legislature shall include, but are not limited to: (a) The type of baccalaureate institution or institutions to be established; (b) a business and operations plan for the institution if a new institution is recommended; (c) potential sites for establishment of an institution; (d) identification of site acquisition costs; and (e) identification of costs and a process for completing a master plan for higher education expansion.
     (6) The local advisory committee shall receive staff and logistical support from the board.
     (7) Nonlegislative members of the local advisory committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (8) The board shall provide an interim report to the legislature and the governor by January 15, 2008, and a final report by December 1, 2008.