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Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 24, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke hails food partnership as model of state and free enterprise cooperation

PORTLAND, Ore. - Gov. Gary Locke today hailed an Eastern Washington agriculture and food partnership as a model for state government and free enterprise cooperation.

Speaking at the 87th Annual Northwest Food Processors Association Convention, Locke said the Eastern Washington Agriculture-Food Processor Partnership has produced the new products, production processes, new technology and skilled workers to ensure the industry remains a world-class competitor in the 21st century.

He emphasized that the state has played its part in helping industry by keeping down unemployment, sales and business and occupation taxes. It also has created tax exemptions so processors can purchase, repair and clean processing equipment. Those exemptions also promote the construction of new warehouse and distribution centers.

Locke said state community colleges and other education institutions are working to raise the skill level of workers in the agricultural industry.

The governor also told the association that he wants this legislative session to begin the four-year process of revising the state's water laws.

"Our water laws have hardly changed in 100 years even though we have five times as many people," Locke said.

"We're not going to leave session until we've reformed our water permitting process so people aren't waiting years for a simple, non-controversial permit," he promised.

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