Communities would aim high under Van De Wege Innovation Zones bill

Locally, Van De Wege sees Grays Harbor competing well with alternative energy success

January 25, 2007

OLYMPIA – Industry hotspots in the state would be put on the national and global stage under a proposal heard Wednesday in a House committee.

The legislation, prime-sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van De Wege and backed by Gov. Gregoire, would select five communities where research and business have connected to create thriving job centers—then given support to go even further.

“If a community has a good thing going, then let’s help them get to the next step,” Van De Wege (D—Sequim) said.

Van De Wege represents the 24th District, home to what he believes can be one of the success stories if it’s made into an Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ).

“In Grays Harbor you have a great college and biofuel plant already, so the ingredients are there,” Van De Wege said.

“I think given the right tools and some time, Grays Harbor won’t just become a center for Washington state, but for countries everywhere looking to make alternative energy a reality.”

Innovation Partnership Zones (HB 1091) is a part of a larger plan in the state to increase the state’s competitiveness in the global market, as well as increase the number of family-wage jobs across the state.

Details of HB 1091:

- Areas would submit proposals and compete for five IPZ spots.

- Gov. Gregoire also is requesting $5m in Capital Budget funds for the zones.

- They then are eligible for support through the rural county sales and use taxes for public facilities, and the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool and Job Skills programs.

“We need to take the lead in Olympia to get communities thinking locally about how to make it globally,” Van De Wege said. “Jobs we have today will evaporate if we don’t take action now to stay competitive.”

Before Van De Wege can ask colleagues to vote the bill out of the House it needs approval from its current committee, Community, Economic Development and Trade.

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Staff contact: Andrew Dziedzic (360) 786-7218

Bill information: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/Summary.aspx?bill=1091&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at ^{frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.}