HomeMy WebLinkAbout4394 Resolution - 2024 Council Legislative PrioritiesRESOLUTION NO.4394
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON
DECLARING THE CITY'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 2024
SESSION OF THE WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, the 2024 Legislative Session of the Washington State Legislature
commences on January 8, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco (City), as a municipal corporation and political subdivision
of the State of Washington can be substantially affected by the actions of the Washington State
Legislature; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has evaluated conditions impacting the City of Pasco and
opportunities to improve the services the City provides to its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to identify the legislative priorities for the 2024
Legislative Session so they can be provided to state legislators prior to the commencement of the
next legislative session.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PASCO, WASHINGTON:
That the legislative objectives stated herein constitute the priorities of the City of Pasco for
the 2024 Legislative Session.
• REGIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION: Pasco joins communities throughout the
Tri-City region to request $4 million in capital funding to replace the region's aging fire and
emergency medical system (EMS) radio system that is on the brink of failure and is based on
antiquated technology.
PUBLIC SAFETY & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Pasco is experiencing a rise in
criminal activity. Pasco is working hard to prevent and respond this crime, but asks for the
state's partnership in the following:
o Recruit and retain law enforcement officers.
o Allow officers to engage in vehicular pursuits for auto theft and some property crimes.
o Address auto theft and property crime, including additional investment in auto -theft
prevention and enforcement programs and regional property crimes task forces and
prosecution.
o Fund and implement alternative response teams, treatment facilities, and social
workers, treatment providers, and system navigators to help direct people to treatment.
o Invest in the Three Rivers Behavioral Health Recovery Center, which will provide over
550,000 individuals access to a full continuum of behavioral health services.
o Prevent opioid overdoses by increasing access to opioid overdose reversal medications
such as Naloxone (Narcan) while also not increasing liability to the City.
o Address possession and use of controlled substance, including implementing technical
changes and increased funding for successful implementation of SB 5536 (2023).
Resolution - 2024 Legislative Priorities - 1
TRANSPORTATION: The city requests funding to preserve the local and state
transportation system to improve safety. Pasco requests:
o $3 million for the design and right-of-way acquisition of the Road 76 Overpass Project
o $8 million for the Broadmoor Blvd Bike/Ped Bridge over I-182
o $1.5 million for the study and design of State Route 12 Safety Improvements between
A Street and Sacajawea Park/Tank Farm Road.
o $2 million for a feasibility study to allow access to 1-182 and Hwy 395 from Argent
Road
o Fully fund grant programs, such as the WSDOT Bike/Ped Program, that will allow the
City to receive grant funds for eligible projects such as the Broadmoor Blvd Bike/Ped
Bridge over 1-182
WATER RIGHTS: Pasco needs additional water rights to serve its growing population.
The City supports proposals to allow the city to secure municipal water rights, including
the purchase of certificated inchoate water rights from municipalities and special purpose
districts and the ability to include land application of industrial wastewater as a `municipal
use.'
• HOUSING: Pasco encourages funding to be allocated to house the State's most vulnerable
populations. The City supports state policies and investments that incentivize both the
private and public sectors to increase housing supply. The City amended its zoning code to
allow middle housing types in 80% of the city, and now asks the state to remove other
barriers to the construction of housing, such as relaxing condominium liability regulations,
reducing construction costs, and providing tax incentives.
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Manager is hereby directed to inform state legislators
and other appropriate parties of the City's 2024 Legislative Priorities.
Be It Further Resolved, that this resolution will take effect immediately.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, on this 20'h day of
November, 2023.
:t=:A
Blanche Barajas
Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Barham, CMC
City Clerk
Resolution - 2024 Legislative Priorities - 2
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Kerr Fer n Law, PLLC
City orney