PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishment of an additional assessment pursuant to RCW 15.88.110 and 66.24.215 on vinifera grapes and wine produced. Approval of the additional assessment would be approved by referendum vote of affected producers.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 15.88.110, 66.24.215.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The additional assessment would be used to award funds to the Richland Public Development Authority for the purpose of financing a portion of the Washington State Wine Science Center construction project proposed to be built on Port of Benton land. The Wine Science Center will house a world-class wine research and education program managed by Washington State University.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The wine commission will work with the liquor control board in the collection of the additional assessments if approved.
Process for Developing New Rule: Members of the agency and Washington wine commission will develop the rule proposal and will communicate with stakeholders regarding the proposal. Interested parties can participate in the public hearing/public comment process.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kelly Frost, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1802, fax (360) 902-2092, e-mail kfrost@agr.wa.gov.
July 6, 2011
Dan Newhouse
Director