Legislature passes community revitalization bill

April 20, 2009

OLYMPIA — The state Senate on Monday gave final approval to a bill sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, to revitalize communities and boost local economies.

The bill, which includes allocations to assist the cities of Tacoma and University Place with infrastructure development, was guided through the House of Representatives by Rep. Troy Kelley, D-Tacoma.

“We’re giving local communities a tool they can use to help pay for necessary infrastructure in a way that doesn’t create new taxes,” said Kilmer. “This is about creating jobs by letting growth pay for itself.”

Senate Bill 5045 allows participating local governments to create “revitalization areas” where public infrastructure investments such as roads and sewers are funded with bonds backed by the new revenues that are expected to come into an area from increased commerce. This “growth paying for growth” tool is an approach that has been used successfully by nearly every other state in the nation.

The bill was shepherded through the House by Kelley, who said the bill will put people to work getting infrastructure projects completed while spurring new business creation and new home construction to bolster economic activity.

“Families want to live in communities where they’re supported but also where they can support a local grocery store,” said Kelley. “The planning that can happen with this community investment really strengthens the local economy, as well as the overall quality of life for families.”

“Having adequate local infrastructure can help attract businesses to Washington, grow existing businesses and revitalize our communities,” said Kilmer. “This is a great way for our communities to move forward with projects that can grow jobs in the short term and revitalize our communities in the long-term.”

The City of Tacoma and the city of University Place are included in the bill, as are Whitman County and the cities of Bremerton, Auburn, Spokane, and Vancouver.

“The timing of the passage of this important economic stimulus tool couldn’t be better for local governments,” said Mayor Bill Baarsma of Tacoma, which will have access to $500,000 per year for the next 25 years under the program. “We now have the job creation tool granted to cities in 48 other states. Those of us in local government appreciate the wisdom and foresight shown by the Washington State Legislature in taking this action.”

“We want to thank the Legislature for reaffirming their commitment to economic development in the State of Washington,” said Mayor Linda Bird of University Place, which will which will be able to access $500,000 in revenue growth for its town center project. “These funds are essential to our efforts to create a vibrant pedestrian friendly urban center in University Place.”

The legislation received strong bipartisan support, passing the House on a vote of 92-5 and the Senate voting unanimously to pass it on to the governor for her signature.

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For interviews: Rep. Troy Kelley, 360-786-7890
For more information: Andrew Dziedzic, 360-786-7218
Website: www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kelley/