SB 6698-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares an intent of the legislature that the information, data, and analysis resulting from the preparation of basin assessments be used by the department of ecology to render timely and appropriate water right decisions; to clear the backlog of pending water right applications; and to make sound and balanced resource management decisions affecting the ground and surface waters of our state's basins.

     Declares a further intent of the legislature that locally based basin planning groups should at a minimum, include representatives from state government, local governments, and federally recognized tribal governments whose reservation or ceded areas are within the basin.