SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5320

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 13, 2012

Title: An act relating to prioritizing infrastructure projects.

Brief Description: Prioritizing infrastructure projects.

Sponsors: Senators Chase, Kastama and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/02/11, 2/07/11 [DPS]; 1/16/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5320 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Chase, Vice Chair; Baumgartner, Ranking Minority Member; Hatfield, Holmquist, Newbry, Kilmer and Shin.

Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background: The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) was created in 1982 to provide funding for publicly owned economic development infrastructure. Through CERB, direct loans and grants are available to counties, cities, Indian tribes, and special purpose districts for feasibility studies and for public improvements such as the acquisition, construction, or repair of water and sewer systems, bridges, railroad spurs, telecommunication systems, roads, structures, and port facilities.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Second Substitute): CERB is authorized to fund county analyses of industrial sites to determine where high priority infrastructure developments are warranted.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION COMMITTEE (Proposed Second Substitute): The requirement that the Department of Commerce is to work with county officials and Associate Development Organizations to prioritize areas for receipt of infrastructure funding is removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

Testimony From 2011 Regular Session on Original Bill.

PRO: This allows CERB to be fully knowledgeable of a county's priorities.

Persons Testifying:

Persons Testifying From 2011 Regular Session on Original Bill.

PRO: Senator Kastama, prime sponsor.