Bill > SB5649

This bill establishes a Washington state supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program to enhance the state's ability to compete in global trade by investing in critical infrastructure for the movement of goods. The program will be managed by the department of transportation in collaboration with other state agencies and stakeholders, including public ports and federally recognized tribal governments with port operations. It will provide grants and loans for projects that improve transportation infrastructure to and from ports, support efficient freight movement, sustain the state's international trade economy, increase market access for Washington products, foster cooperation in freight distribution systems, and mitigate the impacts of increased freight traffic on communities. A dedicated account, the "supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program account," will be created in the state treasury to fund these projects, with moneys potentially coming from legislative appropriations, bond proceeds, loan repayments, and other public or private sources. The bill also includes provisions for the reenactment and amendment of existing statutes related to treasury income distribution, ensuring that earnings from investments in this new program account are appropriately allocated.