Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signing of SSB 6889, a bill that allows for the formation of a public facilities district to guide the future operation and potential expansion of the Washington State Convention Center:

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King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signing of SSB 6889, a bill that allows for the formation of a public facilities district to guide the future operation and potential expansion of the Washington State Convention Center:

“I want to thank Governor Gregoire for signing legislation that creates a new governance structure for the Washington State Convention Center, a move that I hope will pave the way for a future expansion of this critical facility.

“In tough economic times, projects that allow us to attract new visitors, create jobs in construction and ongoing employment for the people who will work there, and stimulate spending in our county and our region are especially prized. We should pursue Convention Center expansion now in the best bid environment in years, and with some of the lowest interest rates ever.

“The Convention Center is a crucial part of our county’s business infrastructure, bringing customers from near and far to eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels, rent cars, and visit communities throughout the Puget Sound region.

“This bill ensures greater local control over tax funds collected to support the Convention Center and guarantees that revenues that are collected in King County are spent here.”