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Bailey’s bill to bring
economic development funding to Island County passes House
10th District lawmaker’s efforts could result in
$80,000 for the county
A bill sponsored by
Rep.
Barbara Bailey that could result in Island County receiving
$80,000 for use in local economic development passed off the House floor
unanimously today.
House Bill 2527 is a technical fix to legislation passed last
year that inadvertently excluded Island County from receiving funding
based on a definition of “rural county.”
“My measure would fix previous legislation that relied on a definition
of ‘rural county’ that did not include Island County. This is about
correcting a mistake,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “As Island
County continues to market its great products and tourism, these
economic development dollars would really help. The county’s economic
development council could use this $80,000 – especially in the aftermath
of disrupted ferry service.”
Associate development organizations (ADOs) were created in 1985 as local
public-private partnerships that would complement state economic
development service delivery efforts under a cooperative model called
“Team Washington.”
“This may be a small bill in Olympia, but it’s a very important bill for
Island County,” said Bailey. “I’m grateful my fellow state
representatives understood its importance – and I’m going to do all I
can to convince the governor of the same.”
ADOs are designated by counties and are statutorily required to be
broadly representative of community and economic interests, including
local governments, chambers of commerce, workforce development councils,
port districts, labor groups, higher education institutions and other
relevant groups.
Economic development is one of Bailey’s legislative priorities.
She serves as ranking Republican on the House Community, Economic
Development and Trade Committee, and is a member of the Washington
Economic Development Commission and Washington Tourism Commission.
House Bill 2527 is now headed to the Senate for further
consideration.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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