SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5820

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating the water resources policy commission.

SPONSORS: Senators Fraser, Deccio, Skratek and M. Rasmussen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Staff:  Erika Lim (786‑7488)

Hearing Dates: February 22, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Water resources are managed by a number of different agencies and local governments.  This has caused uncoordinated, inconsistent and conflicting policies, as well as delays in decision-making due to uncertainty and "red tape."  Demands on water resources have risen and continue to rise through increased residential, business, industrial, and agricultural uses.

SUMMARY:

The Washington water resources policy is created to comprehensively review water resource management programs and to make recommendations for improvement and implementation of management decisions.

The commission will have 11 members:  the Governor or the Governor's representative; two members of the House of Representatives; two members of the Senate; and six members to represent the interests of Native American tribes, agriculture, local government, environmental groups, business, and fisheries and wildlife.  The Governor will provide staff.  The commission may enter into contracts for work necessary to fulfill its duties.

The commission's duty is to conduct a comprehensive review of and to make recommendations on water resources management in the state.  The commission will develop a work plan that will set priorities, establish a schedule, and identify goals for providing a report on each subject.  The commission will periodically report to the Governor and the Legislature.  The final report to the Legislature is due by November 1, 1994.

This act and the commission will expire on December 31, 1996.

Appropriation:  unspecified

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.