04/29/05 Some benefits for ag from lawmakers

Farm and Ranch April 29, 2005 Despite the controversial gas tax increase, the 2005 Washington Legislature's transportation budget passed and there is something in there of benefit to agriculture, 250-thousand dollars for start up operation of the long-sought produce railcar program. A federal appropriation had provided money to purchase and refurbish refrigerated rail cars and now the state Department of Transportation will have the funds needed to get the program running. Once up and operating its expected that fees will make the produce railcar program self-sustaining. The movement of agricultural commodities will also benefit from planned upgrades to Interstate 90 included in the transportation package. Growers were also successful in obtaining funding in the operating budget that will expand ESA surface water monitoring in the Skagit Valley. Financial support from the Department of Agriculture for the Heart of Washington program was also maintained. As for the status of the Washington State Potato Commission, after many meetings between the Department of Agriculture, the Potato Commission and the Attorney General's office, there was an agreement struck. That deal calls for a grower vote on new language in the Potato Commission's administrative code. The language cements the growers' right to elect their commissioners rather than having them appointed by the state Ag Director. The Commission believes the language will also better protect it against legal challenges over speech issues. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today. Good health tomorrow. I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.