Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Increase Tourism to Washington

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2007

Governor�s requested bill creates tourism partnership; Governor also takes action on bills she requested to establish innovation partnership zones and support local government infrastructure projects

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure she requested that will help promote Washington as a visitor destination. The bill establishes a public-private partnership that will more than double state funding for tourism promotion and creates a commission that will develop and adopt a strategic tourism plan.

�Tourism is economic development. Tourism means jobs and income for Washington families and businesses,� said Governor Gregoire. �Washington is a unique state with a lot to offer. People want to travel here, but for too long, Washington has neglected the promotion of tourism. Now, as part of my Next Washington business plan, we are taking significant steps to bring visitors to our state with a comprehensive strategy and sufficient funding.�

Substitute House Bill 1276, sponsored by Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham), passed the House with 93 votes and passed the Senate with 49 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Governor Gregoire Signs Bill to Promote Regional Research-Based Industries

Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure she requested that will create innovation partnership zones, linking globally competitive companies and research institutions with new products, skills training and local reinvestments to drive local and regional economies.

�Washington will continue to compete, and succeed, in the global economy if we build regional resources that support regional economies. These focused business and academic clusters are a key part of my Next Washington business plan and bring the promise of innovation and jobs for specific regions and for the state economy as a whole,� said Governor Gregoire.

Substitute House Bill 1091, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim), passed the House with 98 votes and passed the Senate with 48 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Governor Gregoire Signs Bill to Support Local Government Infrastructure Improvements Projects

Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure she requested that will expand by $2.5 million the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) program and allow the state to increase the number of local infrastructure projects it supports. The LIFT program lets local governments borrow against future project revenue to obtain immediate financing for local infrastructure needs.

�This is a promising new strategy to support local governments and I requested this bill, to make important changes to improve the effectiveness of this new tool and double the number of competitive projects the state will support,� said Governor Gregoire.

Second Substitute House Bill 1277, sponsored by Rep. Troy Kelley (D-Tacoma), passed the House with 96 votes and passed the Senate with 45 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Additional Bill Action Today

Governor Gregoire today also signed the following bills into law:

• SHB 1039 - Relating to allowing the department of ecology to issue written opinions for a portion of a facility under the model toxics control act.
• ESHB 1047 - Relating to alcohol content in food products and confections.
• HB 1069 - Relating to designating the Pacific chorus frog as the state amphibian.
• HB 1137 - Relating to creating the water quality capital account.
• SHB 1312 - Relating to the regulation of transportation providers.
• HB 1331 - Relating to veterinary technicians.
• 2SHB 1409 - Relating to the transfer of jurisdiction over conversion-related forest practices to local governments.
• HB 1416 - Relating to standards and grades for fruits and vegetables.
• HB 1418 - Relating to the keeping of dangerous wild animals.
• HB 1430 - Relating to financing community and economic development.
• EHB1525 - Relating to regulatory fairness for small businesses.
• HB 1789 - Relating to minimizing the environmental threat caused by leaking home heating oil tanks.
• HB 1813 - Relating to changing the name of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation. (Partial veto, Section 74)
• SHB 1892 - Relating to the impoundment of vehicles by police officers.
• HB 2032 - Relating to the application process for the fruit and vegetable processing and storage tax deferral.
• SHB 2056 - Relating to recycling at official gatherings.
• SSHB 5074 - Relating to water resource inventory area 29.
• 2SHB 5188 - Relating to a wildlife rehabilitation program.
• SSB 5236 - Relating to public lands management.
• ESB 5508 - Relating to economic development project permitting.
• SSB 5653 - Relating to the establishment of a self-employment assistance program.
• 2SSB 5995 - Relating to the economic development commission.

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