HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2021

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to the joint select committee on water resource policy.

Brief Description:  Extending the joint select committee on water resource policy.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Fraser, Miller, Valle, McLean, Edmondson, Jacobsen, Nealey, Paris, Chandler and Wynne; by request of Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Natural Resources & Parks, March 4, 1991, DP;

Passed House, March 12, 1991, 98-0;

Passed Legislature, 98-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Belcher, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Beck, Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dellwo; Fraser; Hargrove; Morton; Sheldon; and Wynne.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:  Under current law the Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy will expire on July 1, 1991.  The committee was created in 1988, chapter 47, Laws of 1988, to "study the fundamentals of water resource policy of the State," and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding procedures for allocating water resources, prioritization of the use of water, and recommendations for revisions to existing law as needed.

In 1990 the Joint Select Committee sponsored legislation, ESHB 2932, codified in chapter 90.54 RCW, calling for comprehensive water resource planning on a regional basis throughout the State, through a cooperative planning process involving state, local, and tribal governments and interested parties.  Significant progress has been made to implement ESHB 2932.  A comprehensive planning process was developed, and regional planning will soon be initiated in two pilot regions in the State.

Members of the Joint Select Committee participated in the development of the planning process and continue to monitor its progress.  The committee sponsored legislation this session, SB 5736 and HB 2026, to further implement the requirements of ESHB 2932.  Continued legislative involvement is anticipated as results in the two pilot regions are evaluated.

Summary of Bill:  The Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy is extended through June 30, 1993.  The committee will monitor the implementation of comprehensive water resource planning and data management required by chapter 90.54 RCW.  The committee will work with state, tribal, and local governments and interested parties to identify issues and to develop recommendations to the Legislature regarding water resource needs.  The committee will report annually to the Legislature.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which will is passed.

Testimony For:  Extension of the Joint Select Committee will give the committee an opportunity to monitor the implementation of comprehensive water resource planning.  Water issues facing the State are complex and require continuation of the process that has begun.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Karen Fraser, Co-Chair Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy.