FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 25, 2010

Olympia, Wash. – Governor Christine Gregoire signed legislation into law today that will create a sales and use tax exemption for certain server equipment and power infrastructure needed for high-tech computer data centers. The legislation was approved overwhelmingly by the Washington State Legislature and will go into effect April 1.

“This is one bill that will literally create new jobs; especially at a time when unemployment is at 13.6 percent in Grant County, we need all the jobs we can get,” said Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum. “Kudos to the Port of Quincy and other local officials who have proven that governments who ease regulations and put out the welcome mat create jobs for their people.”

“I’m so excited the Legislature and the governor understood the importance of this exemption to preserving and creating jobs for the people of our district,” said Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “The data centers have been a great partner with our local communities and will provide much needed opportunities and revenue to our area.”

"The Port of Quincy is very excited about this new law as it will help attract more development and expansion of data centers in rural areas of Washington, such as Quincy," said Curt Morris, Chair of the Port of Quincy.

Commissioners Brian Kuest, Curt Morris, and Rep. Judy Warnick chat before the bill signing.

Governor Gregoire signing the bill. Pictured are: Sen. Janéa Holmquist; Rep. Judy Warnick; Port of Quincy Commissioners Brian Kuest and Curt Morris; Vicki Angelini, LA for Rep. Bill Hinkle; Sean Graham, LA for Sen. Linda Parlette (R-Wenatchee); John Sabey, Sabey Corporation; and Dave Johnson, Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council, among others.

Photos courtesy of the Washington State Legislature

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