House passes legislation that would allow for the creation of a port district within Kittitas County

House passes legislation that would allow for the creation of a port district within Kittitas County

The Washington State House of Representatives today passed legislation that would allow counties the opportunity to create a less than countywide port district.

Under House Bill 2547, co-sponsored by 13th District Reps. Judy Warnick and Matt Manweller, Kittitas County would be eligible to create a less than countywide port district if the voters act before Dec. 31, 2020. A ballot proposition would have to be submitted to the voters authorizing the creation of the port district. If approved, the initial port commissioners may be elected at the next general election.

“Kittitas County has been looking at the feasibility of a port district for over 20 years,” said Manweller, R-Ellensburg. “This bill may be the vehicle that will finally allow the county to develop such a district that will assist with the expansion and recruitment of businesses and economic development for our region. It is important to note this bill does not create a port district, it simply empowers local voters to decide if they want one or not.”

One of the roadblocks to developing a port district in Kittitas County is that rural residents, who would bear most of the costs, but reap fewer of the benefits, have opposed the creation of a port district. This law will allow the creation of a port district in just one of the urban centers of the county, ensuring that those who benefit the most would also bear the costs.

“We know how important ports are to the economic activity of an area, and that ports can be major players in bringing in a new employer,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “This legislation will allow port districts to be created and free up their ability to move forward with important economic and infrastructure projects.”

The bill passed by a vote of 95-2. The measure is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

For more information about Rep. Manweller, visit: www.representativemattmanweller.com.
For more information about Rep. Warnick, visit: www.representativejudywarnick.com.

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