Sen. Judy Warnick’s legislation to help the Port of Moses Lake with major infrastructure improvements was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson during a ceremony in Yakima on March 20. Her bill ensures the port remains eligible for federal funding to finish critical rail and power upgrades.

The law created by Senate Bill 6132 allows for a narrow 0.25% modification to indebtedness limits. Warnick introduced the legislation specifically to support local projects that keep the region’s economy moving forward.

“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. While this is a technical change, it has a very real impact on the port’s ability to build the infrastructure that keeps our community competitive and our economy moving forward.”

To maintain strict oversight, the additional bonding authority under SB 6132 is 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.

The bill’s journey into state law included a unanimous 49-0 vote in the Senate, reflecting the broad recognition of the Port of Moses Lake as a vital economic engine for the 13th District and the entire state. The signing of SB 6132 serves as a crowning achievement for Warnick, who has spent her 20-year legislative career advocating for the agricultural and industrial needs of Central Washington.

The new law will go into effect on June 11.