Empowerment Zone Bill Due For Hearing

Thu., Feb. 24, 2000

From Staff

Rep. Jeff Gombosky, D-Spokane, is proposing a bill that would open up the application process for communities to apply for an empowerment zone designation.

Five zones have been created since the legislation was established in 1993, and one spot remains unfilled because of the short application period. The bill would reopen the application process and allow Spokane to apply.

Designation as an empowerment zone would give businesses in the Hillyard, East Central, West Central and downtown areas tax incentives for building in the area, hiring new people and training employees.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing today in the Senate.

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