FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 23, 1996

Lowry to hear public comments on Growth Management Act in Wenatchee

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Mike Lowry will travel next week to Wenatchee to get public comment on Chelan County's compliance with the state's Growth Management Act.

Lowry plans to hear citizens' and local officials' comments Wednesday (Feb. 27) at 7 p.m. at the Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N. Wenatchee Ave.

"I want to get a first-hand understanding of the public sentiment on what we need to do about growth in Chelan county," Lowry said. "The best way to do that is to go to the people involved."

Chelan is one of six Washington counties that have not yet met the law that requires planned growth. The 1990 state Legislature passed a bill that helps local governments manage explosive population growth and sprawling urban development.

If counties do not come into compliance by the specified deadline, the law requires the governor to impose sanctions on those counties. The governor may withhold certain tax revenues, including the gasoline tax, transportation improvement account funds, urban and rural arterial roadway dollars, and sales taxes. State agencies, counties and cities that comply with the law may be eligible for grants and loans for public facilities.

"I want to work with citizens in the county to see what needs to be done without having to impose sanctions," Lowry said. "But the law is very clear on my role and responsibilities in this area."

For directions to the convention center, phone 509-662-4411.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at 360-753-6790.