HB 2396-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that ever increasing pressures of additional consumptive uses are being placed on the rivers, streams, and ground waters, necessitating increased coordination in the management of the waters of the state for the benefit of people, farms, and fish.

Finds that state programs, watershed plans, and similar water resource programs being developed across the state will include strategies to secure adequate water to meet the needs of people and the streamflow requirements for fish.

Declares an intent to direct state agencies to ensure that watershed programs are developed and implemented that achieve and protect instream flows.

Declares an intent to: (1) Commit the state to achieving and protecting instream flows statewide;

(2) Identify stream flows that are needed to ensure a healthy watershed and that can be achieved, and establish these as instream flows;

(3) Require the development of instream flow programs that identify and schedule the actions needed to achieve and protect instream flows;

(4) Build on the implementation of watershed plans and similar programs, and make the state agencies accountable to work jointly with governments and water users to achieve and protect instream flows; and

(5) Ensure adequate funding for state water management programs, including for the public share of instream flow programs.