HOUSE BILL REPORT

E2SSB 5225

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Saling, Stratton, Bauer, Patterson, Lee and West)

Creating the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Van Luven, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Doty, Fraser, Inslee, Jesernig, H. Myers, Prince, Rector and Wood.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Heavey.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1988, the Legislature appropriated $800,000 to be used for the purchase of a site for an intercollegiate institute for research and technology.  With the approval of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, a seven and one-half acre site in downtown Spokane was purchased.

The Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute (SIRTI) is designed as a cooperative venture of Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Whitworth College, the Community Colleges of Spokane, and Washington State University.  Through SIRTI, member institutions will collaborate in the offering of education and training, applied and developmental research, and business resource and support.

Washington State University, as fiscal agent, has requested $10,261,000 for the institute's design and construction.  When completed, the facility will include about 43,349 square feet. The University is also requesting $203,340 in operating funds to fulfill its administrative responsibilities as fiscal agent.  In addition, SIRTI, at the direction of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, is seeking funds to purchase two and one-half acres of land to be used for temporary parking and, eventually, for construction of additional facilities.

SUMMARY:

The Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute is created.  It is to be operated and administered through a cooperative agreement as a multi- institutional education and research center, housing appropriate programs offered in Spokane by Washington State University, Eastern Washington University and the community colleges of Spokane.  Gonzaga University and Whitworth College may participate as full partners in any academic and research activities of the institute. Washington State University will act as fiscal and administrative agent for the institute.

The institute will house education and research programs designed to meet the needs of the greater Spokane area, with particular emphasis upon engineering, computer science, technical research, and business resource activities.

The coordination of programs and activities at the institute is subject to the authority of the Spokane Joint Center for Higher Education. The establishment of education and research programs, and the lease, purchase, and construction of sites and facilities are subject to the approval of the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

This bill is null and void unless specifically referenced in the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.