Today, the Washington State Senate voted 49-0 to pass a targeted measure sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick to provide the Port of Moses Lake with the financial tools necessary to complete major infrastructure improvements.

Senate Bill 6132, titled “Authorizing a narrow modification to indebtedness limits for select inland port districts,” was drafted specifically to support the Port of Moses Lake.

“The title of this bill really says it all,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “This is a small, simple measure meant to apply only to one specific situation. The Port of Moses Lake reached out and asked for our help to ensure they could cross the finish line on important local projects, and I am glad we could provide this solution.”

To ensure the port remains eligible for the federal funding required to finish these key rail and power upgrades, SB 6132 allows for a narrow 0.25% modification to indebtedness limits. Under the bill’s requirements, this additional bonding authority is strictly limited to port districts that have established a tax increment financing (TIF) area and have a comprehensive industrial development plan approved by the state Department of Commerce.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their support today,” Warnick added. “They recognized that while this is a technical change, it has a very real impact on the Port of Moses Lake’s ability to build the infrastructure that keeps our community competitive and our economy moving forward.”

SB 6132 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.