HomeMy WebLinkAbout3921 ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. 3921
A RESOLUTION declaring the City's legislative priorities for the 2020 session of
the Washington State Legislature.
WHEREAS, the 2020 session of the Washington State Legislature commences on
January 13.
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco, as a municipal corporation and subdivision of the
state, can be substantially affected by the actions of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has evaluated conditions impacting the City and
opportunities to improve the services the City provides to its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to identify its legislative priorities for the
2020 legislative session so they can be provided to state legislators prior to commencement
of the next legislative session; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
WASHINGTON:
Section 1. That the legislative objectives stated herein below constitute the priorities of the
City of Pasco for the 2020 legislative session.
LEWIS STREET OVERPASS PROJECT: The City requests that the Legislature approve
an adjustment to the LEAP list for the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board to
allocate $4.4 million in the 2020 supplemental transportation budget to fund the final phase
of the Lewis Street Overpass project. Once completed, the project will create an overpass
across the BNSF Railway railroad tracks to replace the Lewis Street undercrossing built in
1937. With the enhanced roadway and pedestrian features, the overpass will provide an
important and safe link between the Pasco Central Business District and eastern Pasco for
freight, emergency service vehicles, school buses, residents, and businesses.
PROCESS WATER REUSE FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS: The City is in the early
stages of a multi-year effort to improve its industrial wastewater treatment facility that serves
a very successful group of food processors. To improve the reliability of the facility, allow
for the expansion in productivity of current food processors, and to create capacity for
additional processors, the facility requires conveyance, rehabilitation and treatment
improvements. These improvements are estimated to cost a total $43 million over 4 years.
Through a public/private partnership, food processors are committed to paying for this
project. To help reduce the financial burden to these processors, the City of Pasco and
processors request that the state invest $5 million in the project over the next 2 years.
• DOWNTOWN PASCO REVITALIZATION: The City requests $2 million to revitalize
downtown Pasco. The City envisions a downtown with wider sidewalks for outdoor cafes,
pedestrian -friendly access, plazas and gathering places. These infrastructure improvements
will attract development and revitalize downtown Pasco by enhancing the connection
between the Lewis Street Overpass Project and Peanuts Parks/Farmer's Market to the Lewis
Street Corridor.
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS: The City joins the Association of Washington
Cities in encouraging the State to reinvigorate the Local Revitalization Fund (LRF) and/or
establish a tax increment financing program like what exists in other states. If authorized,
Pasco would use these tools to spur development on targeted commercial land. Additionally,
Pasco supports extending the .09 sales tax credit for rural economic development.
• DEFEND LOCAL CONTROL: The City believes the best governmental decisions are
those that are made closest to the people. Cities possess strong local authority to provide for
the safety and welfare of their residents, and the Legislature must abstain from restricting,
mandating, or otherwise interfering with local decisions. The City will oppose legislative
actions that are inconsistent with this view.
Section 2. The City Manager is hereby directed to inform state legislators and other appropriate
parties of the City's 2020 legislative priorities.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco this 2nd day of December, 2019.
OA104-���
Matt Watkins
Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Barham, CMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
I—
Eric erguson
C' Attorney