SB 5316 - DIGEST

     Establishes a state water resources board, which consists of members from regional areas of the state.

     Directs the board to develop policies and implement programs that are balanced with the interests of all sectors of the state's residents taken in account.

     Creates the department of water resources.

     Transfers all powers, duties, and functions of the department of ecology pertaining to water quantity matters, including management, conservation, utilization, planning, development, and adjudication to the water resources board.

     Provides that the pollution control hearings board has no jurisdiction to review department of water resources or board of water resources decisions on water permits or water rights or general adjudication of water rights under chapter 90.03. or 90.44 RCW.

     Requires the water resources board to make a final determination on water rights applications within twelve months for applications in areas without a regional water resource plan and within three months for applications in areas with a regional water resource plan.

     Creates the water policy and program review group.