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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