FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5333

C 239 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Concerning preliminary permits for water closed to diversions due to a federal moratorium.

Sponsors:  Senators Honeyford, Hale, Morton, Hochstatter, Hewitt, Swecker and Sheahan.

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background:  RCW 90.03.290 of the water code establishes the requirements for rendering a decision on a water rights application.  In respect to making necessary findings, the Department of Ecology is allowed to issue a preliminary permit that requires the applicant to obtain sufficient information.  The period of such a permit is not to exceed three years, but, if specified requirements are met, can be extended for a maximum of two additional years.  If the applicant fails to comply with the conditions of the preliminary permit, the permit and the application are automatically cancelled.

Summary:  A preliminary permit directly affected by a moratorium on the Columbia River between 1990 and 1998 is extended through June 30, 2002, and any cancelled application and preliminary permit are reinstated and the permit extended until June 30, 2002, if these provide regional water supply to one or more urban growth areas and areas near them from an existing structure.  Authority is granted to so modify a canceled application or permit.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate452

House     82 0 (House amended)

Senate    48 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001