Earlier this session, Sen. Mark Mullet (D–Issaquah) introduced Senate Joint Resolution 8201, a bipartisan proposal to amend the State Constitution to establish the Public Works Revolving Account in the state Treasury. The measure provides the new account with constitutional protections not afforded to the existing Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA). AWC wrote about the bill here.

In addition to SJR 8201, Sen. Mullet has introduced SB 5303, which amends state law to recognize the creation of the revolving account and confer governing authority over the account to the Public Works Board. The PWAA remains intact, as does the Board’s authority over it. The bill extends the same authority of the Board over the PWAA to the revolving account. However, under the new law, all moneys received from local governments in the repayment of loans made under the PWAA and the newly established revolving account would be paid into the revolving account. Repayments would no longer be paid into the PWAA.

The PWAA has provided a critical source of low-interest funding to cities working to update, preserve and maintain their critical infrastructure systems. AWC supports both bills and thanks Sens. Mullet and Warnick for their work to protect this important resource for locals. Cities are encouraged to sign in support of both bills.

Date to remember

SB 5303 and SJR 8201 are scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on Thursday, February 2 at 4 pm.