SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2021

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES,

                                MARCH 29, 1991

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

SPONSORS:Representatives Fraser, Miller, Valle, McLean, Edmondson, Jacobsen, Nealey, Paris, Chandler and Wynne; by request of Jnt Sel Com on Water Resource Policy.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Conner, Gaspard, Hansen, and Newhouse. 

Staff:  Ed Dee (786‑7449)

Hearing Dates:March 29, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Under current law the Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy will expire on July 1, 1991.  The committee was created in 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 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 the act.  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 to further implement the requirements of the 1990 legislation.  Continued legislative involvement is anticipated as results in the two pilot regions are evaluated.

SUMMARY:

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.  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.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one