Senate clears bill to create five research pockets around state

Van De Wege legislation now in negotiations before heading to governor

April 9, 2007

OLYMPIA – Technology clusters would be developed across the state under legislation passed today by the Senate. Both legislative bodies have passed the measure to create Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZ) and negotiations will now take place to resolve differences before the governor can sign it into law.

Areas where research institutes and business sectors have developed around a specific industry would compete for an IPZ designation. Through the designation, the area would have access to local taxing authorizations, as well as one-time funding from a $5 million pot being proposed in the state’s Capital Budget.

Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) believes passing this legislation is the next logical step to keeping Washington state competitive in the growing technology industry.

“In the past decade our state has started competing globally in new ways, like medical research in Spokane, or alternative energy in Grays Harbor,” Van De Wege said. “Washington’s technology future will be much more than software and airplanes.”

“Creating these pockets where research and business can prosper will help society through better technology, but also bring many new jobs to regions around the state.”

Innovation Partnership Zones (HB 1091) has the support of Gov. Chris Gregoire and is part of a larger plan to increase the state’s competitiveness in the global market, as well as increase the number of family-wage jobs across the state.

Grays Harbor discussed as possible site

The legislation was designed with several zones in mind, including Grays Harbor County and their work on alternative energy technology. Van De Wege hopes to recreate what has worked in areas like North Carolina, where research institutes like Grays Harbor College and research-related industries fed off of each other’s success.

“Grays Harbor will be a global competitor on alternative energy,” Van De Wege said, “making it an IPZ will lead to better infrastructure and better communication.”

Zones are not specified in the legislation and Grays Harbor would need to compete for one of the five designations.

“Energy will be at the forefront of global research for generations to come. Setting up to be a player in that would be an incredible investment for the region.”

Details of HB 1091:

- Areas would submit proposals and compete for five IPZ spots.

- Gov. Gregoire also is requesting $5 million in Capital Budget funds for the zones.

- They then are eligible for support through the rural county sales and use taxes for public facilities, and the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool and Job Skills programs.

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Staff contact: Andrew Dziedzic (360) 786-7218

HB 1091: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1091&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.