Economic development officials say Washington has probably lost out on a major effort to attract a Fortune 500manufacturer to the state. That's prompted calls for changes in the restrictions on how state money can be spent to woo companies here. Washington is one of only a handful of states that don't offer direct cash payments or tax breaks to relocating companies. That's because a provision in the state's constitution blocks them.

Tri-Cities legislator Rep. Larry Haler (R-Richland) says he's willing to consider a constitutional amendment to help level the playing field with other states.

The unnamed manufacturer Will probably go to Oregon, where it can take advantage of state property tax breaks that would save it up to $30 million over 10 years. That's according to a number of people involved in the nine month effort - code-named "Project Gold Rush" - to recruit a major manufacturer or distribution center to Walla Walla County.

Officials, including Walla Walla Community College President Steve Van Ausdle, said a site in western Walla Walla County was one of three final locations that the company was considering for a $300 million plant that would employ about 300 people. But Washington's offer of roughly a half-million dollars in job training assistance wasn't enough to sway the company, he said.

Van Ausdle spoke at a joint meeting of the Washington Economic Development Association And Washington Public Ports Association. Members of the two groups said they plan to lobby the Legislature for changes in the law that would loosen restrictions on incentive packages that can be offered to major businesses relocating to the state. But officials say they want to avoid bidding wars with other states.