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Bill would create state grant program to shore up port supply‑chain projects
Summary
Senate Bill 5649 would direct the Washington Department of Transportation to establish a grant and loan program for public and tribal ports, prioritizing projects in freight development plans that are not eligible for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding; sponsors and port officials said the program would fill a state funding gap for ports, especially small and rural ones.
Senate Bill 5649 would authorize the Washington State Department of Transportation to set priorities and administer grants and loans to public and tribal ports for projects included in freight development plans, supporters told the Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee on Feb. 18.
Sen. Marco Elias (21st District), the bill’s prime sponsor and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said the measure is intended to help ports protect Washington’s trade-driven economy and to address supply‑chain weaknesses revealed during the pandemic. “Ports affect our daily lives from the smartphones we use to the groceries we buy,” Elias said.
Martha Whaling, staff to the committee, said the engrossed bill creates a dedicated account in the state treasury for the…
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