AWC Legislative Bulletin - Volume 31, No. 3
July 25, 2008
(Plain Text Version)
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In this issue:
From the Director - A Softening Economy: City Revenue Impacts!
Energy & Telecommunications
Environment & Water
General Local Government
Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development
Land Use & Housing
Law & Justice
Municipal Finance
Personnel & Labor Relations
AWC Legislative Contacts & Officers
Energy & Telecommunications
Internet Strategy
As reported in previous Bulletins, a bill passed the legislative session in 2008 (E2SSB 6438) that directs the Department of Information Services (DIS) to invite interested parties to participate in the development of a high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy. The good news is DIS selected three representatives of cities to participate in this effort: Mayor Ron Lucas of Steilacoom, Councilmember Ed Stern of Poulsbo, and David Keys of Seattle Community Networks.
Meetings have started this month in Olympia and will be held every month through November. A report must be delivered to the Legislature by the end of the year. We are hopeful that this effort will identify viable options for implementing a statewide high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy.
Vegetation Management
On May 28, Representative Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) convened a group of utilities and others to discuss vegetation management practices, with a goal to "curb future major power outages" by identifying possible action items. After a lengthy conversation to identify areas of concern, a list of issues emerged:
- Study the issue of liability – who is responsible when vegetation creates power outages? And, what is current state law on this issue?
- Review state and local policies of vegetation near power lines and buffer zones.
- Study other state policies, such as Oregon and Florida.
- Review current practices to identify hazardous trees on state land.
Representative Dean Takko (D-Longview) was also present at the meeting. The decision was made to gather additional information and discuss possible action items. It is likely that the House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee will discuss this issue in a work session next fall. Cities will pay close attention to any discussion relating to local land use policies and liability.
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