It’s baaaack.

One of the most argued-over bills from the 2001 legislative session — at least among Island County’s state representatives and senator — went back on the legislature’s docket this week and is possibly on its way to passage.

The measure, which would redefine what a rural county is, carries at least a few hopes and dreams of the county departments that would spend the more than $400,000 in tax revenue it may send their way.

HB 1628, otherwise known as the rural counties bill, changes the state’s definition of a rural county just slightly; so slightly, in fact, that it would apply only to Island County.

Tied to a 1999 legislature rule that allows rural counties to use up to .08 percent of the state sales tax they collect for financing public facilities such as roads, bridges and utilities, the new bill would make Island County the 31st county to win the distinction. Currently, state law defines a rural county as one in which the population density is less than 100 persons per square mile. Island County exceeds that number.

The new bill will also allow counties measuring less than 250 square miles to take advantage of the rural county taxing privilege.

Rep. Kelly Barlean, R-Langley, who with Rep. Barry Sehlin, R-Oak Harbor, introduced the bill this week, said HB 1628 is already in the hands of the legislature’s Trade and Economic Development committee. He said the change in the rural county definition was necessary to give Island County funding he believes it deserves.

“We’re not rural in the traditional sense of the word,” he said.

Last year, the same measure died in the state House of Representatives late in the session. With an early start this year and verbal support from House leadership and from Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano, the new rural counties bill is a sure thing, Barlean said.

“As for as I’m concerned, it’s a done deal,” he said.

Barlean said the amount of money the county would receive from the tax benefit is not a lot, but as local revenues fall due to recent voter initiatives and slack sales tax revenues any money is welcome money.

The bill went into committee 14 days prior to its scheduled hearing date. The House has not yet scheduled the bill for a vote.

If the bill passes, only eight of Washingon’s counties will be ineligible for the rural counties tax benefit.