BILL REQ. #:  H-4393.1 

Read first time 01/16/08.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to criteria for siting a future institution of higher education; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes the statewide need for increased capacity and the already existing array of educational opportunities for students in King and south Snohomish counties and further finds that the needs of students in north Snohomish, Island, and Skagit counties should equally receive consideration. To this end, potential sites at Smokey Point in Marysville and Pacific Station in Everett should each receive careful consideration using all of the siting studies conducted in the area.
     The legislature finds that, when considering the location of future institutions of higher education in the north Puget Sound region, responding to the future needs of students should be the paramount consideration. Locations that can adequately accommodate the future educational and recreational needs of five thousand students or more, without further real estate acquisition, must be given priority.
     The legislature further finds that state investments in higher education should focus on increasing the educational opportunities of students, not urban renewal, enhancing urban infrastructure, or increasing parking capacity. Facilities must be located so that they do not interfere with present or future major transportation interfaces. The legislature finds that environmental, transportation, and local economic impacts must be carefully considered with input from the state department of ecology and the department of transportation.
     The legislature intends to prioritize the criteria used to select sites for an institution of higher education in the north Puget Sound region.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) When considering the location of an institution of higher education in the north Puget Sound region, the legislature shall give primary consideration to whether the potential site is centrally located in the Snohomish, Island, and Skagit county area, space for adequate parking and transit facilities, and additionally to the availability of:
     (a) Properly zoned land with sufficient acreage to accommodate the educational and recreational needs of a future five thousand student institution;
     (b) Existing infrastructure including water, sewer, regional storm water facilities, and transportation access;
     (c) Land that does not pose significant environmental issues;
     (d) Interim facilities to accommodate to facilitate startup;
     (e) Close-by opportunities for internship programs in programs emphasized by the institution; and
     (f) Significant support from area communities and interest groups.
     (2) This section expires July 1, 2009.