4 minute read
pLegislative Agenda
2020 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Tumwater Craft District, Lacey Food Bank & Capitol Lake
SHARED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director
The greater Thurston County Shared Legislative Partnership (SLP) is advancing three capital budget projects for the 2020 legislative session. Community leaders are working with members of the Thurston legislative delegation to advocate and seek support for these projects that are unique to the Thurston region.
The new Craft District in Tumwater, currently under construction, will be a flagship location that champions Thurston County’s rich heritage in craft brewing and distilling and advances craft beverage and agriculture interests in the State. An Integrated Malt System & Storage combined with an innovative CO2 Recovery Device will further differentiate this unique and innovative district. The Integrated Malt System & Storage local allows grains grown from the surrounding region to be stored in a centrally located urban center. This makes growers and products more accessible by the brewers, distillers and students located on site, as well as those across the region. The CO2 recovery device harvests carbon dioxide gas from the fermentation process. The captured gas is used in later steps of beverage production, such as carbonation. The device reduces the need for purchase of industrial CO2 and off-sets the carbon footprint of all fermentation operations. The SLP requests $240,000 to help purchase these devices.
The Lacey Food Bank is a new regional resource that will provide critical access to food to over 11,000 food-insecure residents in the Lacey area. The third and final phase of the project is the construction of a $2 million Client Services/Food Pantry building and parking area. This facility will provide
individuals and families in need with weekly or monthly access to a wide variety of food products, including fresh produce and dairy products, frozen meat and canned and dry goods (subject to availability). The Lacey Food Bank has a special place in our community. In 2017, the Lacey Food Bank was designated by the Lacey City Council, North Thurston School District Board and Lacey Chamber of Commerce as the City’s first “Compassionate Community Project.” The SLP made an initial request of $500,000 to help start the final phase.
The Capitol Lake Long-Term Management Project is currently underway. In 2018, the Legislature provided the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) $4 million for Phase 2 of the Long Term Management Project. An additional $2.4 million is needed in order to complete the full scope of Phase 2 and the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) designating a preferred alternative for long-term management of the lake and estuary. In 2019, DES initiated discussions with local stakeholders to evaluate opportunities for shared funding in Phase 2. The Executive Work Group, which includes the cities of Olympia and Tumwater, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Port of Olympia and Thurston County expressed commitments to collectively contribute between $250,000 and $300,000 to fund consultant and legal support to the Funding and Governance Work Group. The SLP requested $2.1 million combined with $300,000 in local funds to complete this part of the management project.
What’s next? The Shared Legislative Partnership, established by the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County Economic Development Council, South Puget Sound Community College and the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, will continue to work with area legislators during the 2020 legislative session on these projects of regional significance. To find out how you can assist with this effort, please contact Doug Mah, with the Chamber’s Public Policy Division at Doug@DougMahAssociates.com.
What is the Shared Legislative Partnership? The Partnership advocates on common interests to maintain the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Thurston County Region. The shared legislative priorities meet specific criteria and agreement that include:
• Exclusive and unique only to the Thurston County region • Result in benefits to more than a single member entity • Demonstrated commitment to member cooperation and collaboration • Non-supplanting to individual member requests
Last year, the Shared Legislative Partnership, working with the region's legislative delegation, successfully obtained funding for the NEPA/SEPA review for I-5 Tumwater to DuPont; the Lacey Veterans Services Hub; the SW Washington Regional Agricultural & Innovation Park; and a Restoration of Judicial Impact Fee Funding to offset the impact of State related actions in Thurston County Superior Court.
The Lacey Food Bank has a special place in our community. In 2017, the Lacey Food Bank was designated by the Lacey City Council, North Thurston School District Board and Lacey Chamber of Commerce as the City’s first “Compassionate Community Project.”
The Capitol Lake Long-Term Management Project is currently underway. In 2018, the Legislature provided the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) $4 million for Phase 2 of the Long Term Management Project. An additional $2.4 million is needed in order to complete the full scope of Phase 2.
The new Craft District in Tumwater, currently under construction, will be a flagship location that champions Thurston County's rich heritage in craft brewing and distilling and advances craft beverage and agriculture interests in the State.
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