HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1929

BYRepresentative Rayburn

Extending the effective date of certain emergency drought relief laws.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Rayburn, Chair; Baugher, Bristow, Brooks, Chandler, Doty, Holm, R. King, McLean, Moyer, Nealey and Rasmussen.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Twice in ten years the Legislature has enacted temporary, emergency legislation in anticipation of serious water supply shortages.  The bills enacted on both occasions authorized the issuance of emergency permits for withdrawing water on a temporary basis and expedited the processing of permits for emergency water supply projects and withdrawals. The emergency provisions established in 1977 were in effect until September 30, 1977.  The emergency provisions established in 1987 were in effect until October 31, 1987.

The 1987 legislation expedited the processing of permits applicable to an emergency water permit or project by waiving public bidding requirements, requiring decisions on applications for permits to be rendered within 15 calendar days, and waiving the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act.  The 1987 legislation also permitted a water right to be temporarily changed in purpose, place of use, or point of diversion in the manner permitted among willing parties under the surface and ground water codes.  (The surface and ground water codes do not permit the water rights of others to be injured or impaired by such a transfer.)

SUMMARY:

The emergency authorities granted to the Department of Ecology and the emergency permit procedures established by the 1987 drought statutes are extended to apply until April 30, 1989 (rather than expiring on October 31, 1987).

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.