Governor signs local public works funding measure

Snohomish County economy to benefit from small but vital projects, Liias says

April 10, 2009

OLYMPIA – Snohomish County will now be able to create a public works trust fund for small local projects that don’t qualify for state funding. Yesterday, Governor Gregoire signed legislation allowing counties to establish such funds.

“This gives our local communities an economic boost at a time they need it most,” said Rep. Marko Liias (D – Mukilteo), who sponsored the legislation. “Small public works projects create jobs and improve community infrastructure. We should see the positive effects of this in the near future.”

Local trust funds would be modeled after the already-successful State Public Works Trust Fund. The state fund provides financial assistance to communities for projects that are crucial to protect public health and safety. Not all projects qualify, which is what led Snohomish County to develop an interest in creating a similar fund at the local level.

Snohomish County councilmember Brian Sullivan worked on legislation to create local public works funds during his tenure in the state House of Representatives.

“I am proud of Rep. Liias for continuing the work on this very important legislation, and seeing it all the way through to the governor’s desk,” Sullivan said yesterday.

Last year, a similar bill made it through the House but died in the Senate. This year, both chambers passed the measure nearly unanimously, and the Governor put her signature on it yesterday afternoon.

“During these tough economic times, it’s critically important we take every step – large or small – to put people to work,” Gregoire said. “I am happy to sign Rep. Liias’s legislation, and am optimistic the projects that will now move forward will quickly create jobs.”

The bill number is HB 1569.