Lt. Governor Owen discussed the positive impact that a motor sports and multiuse recreational facility would have on the state and appeared as the “rock star” of the meeting. “I have never heard of a proposal with such a significant impact,” Lt. Governor Owen said.

He also made it clear the track location is still open for discussion. “They (ISC) are working with the community…they have to work with the community.”

State Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, the chairwoman of the Senate’s Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committee, discussed the study by the Office of Financial Management and read a statement from Dick Thompson that the track would not create a demand on the state capital budget and a net gain would accrue from the money brought into the state by race attendees. “This is one of the most positive economic opportunities I’ve seen for the past 31 years,” Lt. Governor Owen added, who has been involved in state politics for the last 30 sessions.

ISC Vice President Grant Lynch spoke about the positive impact ISC and NASCAR have had in other communities and on non-profit organizations. He also announced four changes that would be made to the current bill:

Eliminate language that would have made it easier for cities to annex a speedway site.

The new speedway would be the first “green built” speedway and comply with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. 100 percent of the storm water would be contained and handled onsite.

Admissions tax would be available for negotiations with local jurisdiction and local improvements.

Silvia Klatman, Executive Director of the Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke in approval at the Senate hearing and seemed very pleased with the meeting. “The Senate Committee was very knowledgeable about the proposal. We were encouraged to hear how much they knew about the legislation and that they were keeping an open mind about the positive opportunities for our state.”

Although the Senate meeting went very well, Klatman and other supporters, including labor leaders, seemed confused about why local legislators don’t support this opportunity for economic development.

After both hearing meetings, Lynch stated, “We were pleased to have the opportunity to present the merits of our proposal to Washington House and Senate. Our project represents billions of dollars in economic benefit to the state and local communities without raising taxes or creating new ones.” He added, “ We believe both hearings went well, as each committee had an opportunity to hear both sides of the issue. We look forward to working closely with state legislators and community leaders to move this bill forward and make this project a reality.”.