01/17/2012: "New Tax Funded Public-Private Center Proposed"

Representatives Morris, Lytton, Hansen, and Ryu have introduced House Bill 2444 that, if passed, “Requires the northwest center of excellence for marine manufacturing and technology to convene and staff a work group to develop a public-private entity to be known as the Washington center for marine innovation.

The estimated cost to fund the group is “one hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much 34 thereof as may be necessary.”

While Kris Lytton (D-Anacortes) was one of the sponsors, Representatives Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon) and Senator Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island) are supporting it as well.

The bill is said to be modeled after Washington’s Federal Aviation Administration Center for Excellence, a public-private partnership helping facilitate research on advanced composite materials, the center would partner technical skill centers, colleges, universities, marine crafter builders, engine manufacturers, and the biofuel/alternative fuel industry with the goal of creating a more vibrant marine economy.

Many attribute success at the center for excellence as instrumental in the certification of Boeing’s 787.

“We’ve seen tremendous breakthroughs from each of these separate entities in the last few years; imagine what they could accomplish when working together,” said Morris.“ It’s a very exciting prospect.”

Partnering with Bellingham Community College and Skagit Valley Community College, the proposed center would facilitate research, education, training, and technology transfer in advanced materials through conferences, workshops, seminars, and technical reviews. As an added benefit, these projects would provide research opportunities that would put students in contact with potential employers.

“Washington state has a vital interest in promoting an economically vibrant maritime sector,” said Ranker. “Not only will this proposal create much-needed jobs in our coastal communities, additional breakthroughs in marine technology will reduce the costs of our vital state ferry system.”

“Washington is well-known for the strength of our marine trades, and the Washington Center for Marine Innovation will make us even stronger,” Lytton said. “Drawing on and blending the best of all these great resources is going to be good for jobs, for business, for families and for our economy.”

The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Community and Economic Development and Housing on January 19th.