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SR 8607

Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the public works board and public works assistance account.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 6 co-sponsors

PWB/PWAA funds local infrastructure with low-interest loans and grants, financing drinking water, sewers, roads, and more to support communities across Washington.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8607

Summary: Senate Resolution 8607 (SR 8607)

Purpose and Intent

  • SR 8607 is a commemorative Senate resolution recognizing and celebrating the 40th anniversary of Washington’s Public Works Board (PWB) and the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA).
  • The measure emphasizes the long-standing role of the PWB/PWAA in financing critical infrastructure, supporting health and safety, environmental protection, affordable housing, and family-wage jobs across Washington.

Background and Context

  • The 1983 Washington State Legislature identified a large unmet need for local infrastructure, prompting the creation of the Public Works Board and PWAA in 1985 (Chapter 466, Laws of 1985).
  • The PWB administers PWAA funds as low-interest loans and grants to counties, cities, water/sewer districts, and public utility districts for essential drinking water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, road, bridge, and solid waste projects.
  • PWAA is a revolving loan fund financed by loan repayments and a share of state taxes (real estate excise tax, public utility tax, and solid waste tax).

Key Provisions and Content

  • The resolution provides a historical overview of the program’s structure and financing, including:
    • PWB composition: 13 members (3 representing cities, 3 representing counties, 3 jointly representing water-sewer districts and PUDs, and 4 representing the general public).
    • The program’s mission to fund essential infrastructure projects through loans and grants.
    • PWAA as a revolving fund that sustains ongoing lending for infrastructure needs.
  • Performance highlights cited in the resolution:
    • Since inception, nearly $3.5 billion invested in more than 2,200 projects statewide.
    • In the past six years, PWB awards yielded approximately $188 million in interest-rate savings and grants for local governments.
    • For the 2023-2025 biennium, PWB awards included:
    • $392 million in construction loans and grants
    • $15 million in preconstruction loans and grants
    • $8.5 million in emergency infrastructure loans and grants
  • The resolution frames the 2025 legislative session as the 40th anniversary year for the PWB and PWAA.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Directly affected entities: counties, cities, water/sewer districts, and public utility districts that receive PWAA funds (loans/grants).
  • Indirect benefits to residents and local communities through improved drinking water, wastewater, stormwater management, roads, bridges, solid waste facilities, environmental protection, housing affordability, and job creation.
  • No policy or funding amendments are enacted by this resolution; it serves to recognize and celebrate historical achievements and ongoing impact.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Status: Adopted by the Senate on January 31, 2025
  • Type: Senate Resolution (non-binding)
  • The resolution documents and honors the 40-year milestone of the PWB/PWAA, reflecting on past achievements and ongoing contributions.

Summary Impact

  • SR 8607 formally recognizes the enduring value of the Public Works Board and Public Works Assistance Account.
  • It highlights substantial infrastructure investments, ongoing loans/grants, and the program’s role in local government infrastructure financing over four decades.
  • As a resolution, it does not change law or authorize new spending but serves as an official commemoration of the 40th anniversary and the program’s benefits to Washington communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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