House Bill 1279, sponsored by Rep. Linda Kochmar to authorize the city of Federal Way to promote local amenities within a local tourism promotion area, was signed into law by the governor on April 29.

“From an emerging arts scene to family-friendly parks, terrific restaurants and an Olympic-sized aquatic center, the Federal Way community has much to offer to visitors and tourists,” said Kochmar, R-Federal Way. “This bill is important to helping our local economy thrive.”

King County currently permits two or more cities over a certain population limit to enter into a tourism promotion agreement but due to Federal Way’s geographic location, the city has been unable to form an agreement with a neighboring city. The bill removes the requirement that only two or more cities can form an agreement together.

The bill goes into effect 90 days following the adjournment of the 2015 regular session.