HB 1832-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that the legislature is committed to meeting the needs of a growing population and a healthy economy statewide; to meeting the needs of fish and healthy watersheds statewide; and to advancing these two principles together, in increments over time.

     Finds that improved management of the state's water resources, clarifying the authorities, requirements, and timelines for establishing instream flows, providing timely decisions on water transfers, clarifying the authority of water conservancy boards, and enhancing the flexibility of our water management system to meet both environmental and economic goals are important steps to providing a better future for our state.

     Declares that the need for these improvements is particularly urgent as we are faced with the imminent threat of drought conditions.  The failure to act now will only increase the potential negative effects on both the economy and the environment, including fisheries resources.

     Declares that deliberative action over several legislative sessions and interim periods between sessions will be required to address the long-term goal of improving the responsiveness of the state water code to meet the diverse water needs of the state's citizenry.

     Declares an intent to begin this work now by providing tools to enable the state to respond to imminent drought conditions and other immediate problems relating to water resources management.  It is also the intent to lay the groundwork for future legislation for addressing the state's long-term water problems.