SB 5267 - DIGEST

     Establishes a pilot water permit process for the eastern regional office of the department of ecology.

     Declares that an application for a change or transfer of an existing water right is to be processed without regard for the potential impairment such a change or transfer might have on any pending applications for new water rights for the same source of supply.

     Applies only to water permit applications and water rights processed in the eastern regional office of the department.

     Expires July 31, 2003.

     Appropriates one hundred sixty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, from the general fund to the department of ecology.  The department must use one-half of this sum for the processing of new water right applications, and one-half of this sum for the processing of existing water right applications for change or transfer.

     Appropriates one hundred sixty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, from the general fund to the department of ecology.  The department must use on-half of this sum for the processing of new water right applications, and one-half of this sum for the processing of existing water right applications for change or transfer.