SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 5716

                       AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 20, 1991

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

SPONSORS:Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Madsen, Williams, Hansen, Newhouse and Bailey; by request of Jnt Sel Com on Water Resource Policy).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Staff:  Ed Dee (786‑7449)

Hearing Dates:February 28, 1991; March 5, 1991

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5716 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hayner, L. Kreidler, Matson, Murray, Newhouse, Niemi, Rinehart, Saling, L. Smith, Talmadge, West, Williams, and Wojahn. 

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786-7715)

Hearing Dates:March 11, 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 (Agriculture & Water Resources):  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST (Agriculture & Water Resources):  None

TESTIFIED (Agriculture & Water Resources):  No one

TESTIMONY FOR (Ways & Means):

The committee is making continuous progress on difficult issues.

TESTIMONY AGAINST (Ways & Means):  None

TESTIFIED (Ways & Means):  Senator Madsen, sponsor (pro)