FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 6028

                                   C 25 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Authorizing cities and towns to issue revenue bonds for financing water conservation programs.

SPONSORS: Senators Barr, Madsen, Williams and Erwin; by request of Jnt Sel Com on Water Resource Policy

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

BACKGROUND:

Through a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1989, various municipal entities that supply water were granted the authority to use public funds for water conservation improvements in privately owned structures.

Legislation contingent on the approval of the constitutional amendment also passed, establishing specific parameters for the water conservation program for municipal corporations engaged in the sale or distribution of power.  However, a specific grant of authority for cities to use bonded indebtedness to finance water conservation projects was not included.

SUMMARY:

Existing authority for cities to use bonded indebtedness to finance electrical energy conservation programs is expanded to include water conservation programs.

Authority is provided for counties to engage in water conservation programs for structures provided water service by the county.  Also, counties are provided authority to issue revenue bonds and other forms of indebtedness to finance water conservation projects.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      41    1

House 96    0

EFFECTIVE:  June 11, 1992