HomeMy WebLinkAbout1588 Resolution3 and APPROVED
ATTES :
el s, City Clerk
D AS TO FO
Greg Li stello, City Attorney
.-,
RESOLUTION NO . 15_88
A RESOLUTION recognizing an artistic contribution to the City of
Pasco and expressing appreciation to the contributor.
WHEREAS, an Economic Development Brochure has been compiled
in accordance with the plans and programs of the city to promote
and further Economic Development within the City of Pasco; and
WHEREAS, it was desired that a cover design for said brochure
be developed which visually embraces the concept of Pasco as the
northwest center of major transportation activity and nourishes
the idea that such opportunities normally associated with larger
coastal ports are uniquely available, inland, to prospective
business and industry, and
WHEREAS, a certain person has created and contributed the
design to be utilized on the cover of the Economic Development
Brochure and the city desires to recognize the contribution, NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO:
Sincerest appreciation and gratitude is hereby extended to
Miss Judy Fowler for exhibiting exceptional artistic skill in
conceiving and crafting a cover graphic for Pasco's Economic
Development Brochure which illustrates in a strong and straight
forward manner the essence of Pasco's Economic Development Program.
PASSED this 5 day of
by the Mayor
CONTENTS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BROCHURE
OVERVIEW Modern Pasco is the hub of western water and highway
transportation. It was a historic pioneer community and rail-
road center for the development of the Northwest and is now a
major port, industrial, and service city which is dedicated to
economic development and providing good living conditions in the
Northwest's Sun Belt.
LOCATION Pasco is in Franklin County, Washington State, on the
Columbia-Snake Inland Waterway at the confluence of the Columbia
and Snake Rivers. It is also at the confluence of major freeways
leading to all major cities in the West. Pasco is 226 miles
southeast of Seattle-Tacoma, Washington; 142 miles southwest of
Spokane, Washington; 218 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon;
and 295 miles northwest of Boise, Idaho.
POPULATION Pasco has a population of 20,000; the Greater Pasco
Community, 25,000 persons; and the Tr-City area (including
Benton and Franklin Counties) has a population of 148,000.
TRANSPORTATION In addition to barge and highway traffic, Pasco
has railroad facilities served by Burlington Northern, Amtrak,
and Union Pacific. Its modern airport accommodates jets and has
daily service to major Western cities. Air service is provided
by Western, Frontier, Cascade, and Horizon airlines.
UTILITY SERVICES Water and sewer service is provided by the
City at low rates and with adequate capacity for industrial
expansion. Special rates are available for large users and
service can be provided beyond the city limits for significant
industry.
Energy sources include: natural gas by pipeline from Cascade
Natural Gas Corporation; fuel oil and petroleum products by
barge on the Columbia-Snake Inland Waterway; coal by rail from
Western fields; and electricity by Franklin County Public
Utility District (a direct customer of the Bonneville Power
Administration).
FINANCING FOR BUSINESS In addition to the customary full service
commercial banking facilities, the City of Pasco has established
a Revolving Loan Fund Program to provide capital at low interest
rates (5 to 10% below market) for commercial and industrial
development. This program is enthusiastically supported by the
City and is operated by the Pasco Community Development Department
in cooperation with local lending institutions and the Pasco
Economic Development Corporation.
Other related programs include the SBA 503 program providing
funds for small businesses and State Industrial Revenue Bonds
through the Pasco Economic Development Corporation. Loan
packaging services are also available through the Washington State
Department of Planning and Community Affairs Agency.
In addition, the City of Pasco uses programs of various
Federal and State agencies to leverage additional investments
that will produce economic impact in the area. The City of
Pasco and Franklin County are also participants in the Benton-
Franklin Economic Development District
CLIMATE The Pasco area is a low rainfall, low humidity, low
snowfall area with abundant sunshine The average length of
growing season is 185 days.
HIGHER EDUCATION Columbia Basin College (a 2-year accredited
college) is located in Pasco. Two 4-year colleges are in
Walla Walla (48 miles away). In addition, a Joint Center for
Graduate Study (operated by the University of Washington,
Washington State University, and Oregon State University)
serves the Tr-Cities area.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TAXES Pasco has a Council-Manager form
of City government. Both City and County have zoning ordinances
and building codes. The City has modern, well-equipped police
and fire departments as well as paramedic services. Fire
insurance classification for the City is 5. Total property tax
rate in the community averages 12 mills on 100% of assessed
valuation. There are no income taxes in the state. State (and
local) combines sales tax rate is 7.3%.
INDUSTRIAL PARKS There are 5 major industrial parks serving
the Pasco area with a combined size of over 2,000 acres. These
facilities include all utilities as well as highway, air, rail,
and water transportation. The Port of Pasco offers major
industrial sites along the waterfront or adjacent to the airport.
The Port also operates a 28-acre marine terminal, handling the
largest barge tonnage of any area on the Columbia River above
Portland/Vancouver.
The City has recently designated a commercial services/light-
industrial area between downtown and the railroad. In addition
to its convenient location, this area has available older
buildings that can be converted and can offer significant tax
advantages available under recent Federal tax law changes.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AMENITIES Pasco has the largest motel
convention facility in Eastern Washington with a seating capacity
of 1600 and a banquet capacity of 1000. Pasco has one general
hospital of 100 beds and two other hospitals in the area. There
are extensive parks in the city and adjacent areas, particularly
along the Columbia River. Recreational activities include water
sports of all kinds, hunting, fishing, hiking, and various winter
sports. The Cascade Mountains are less than 2 hours away and the
Pacific Ocean is less than 6 hours away