BILL REQ. #:  H-4217.1 

Read first time 01/12/10.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

     AN ACT Relating to enhancing economic vitality in rural areas by clarifying when certain waters of the state may be removed from additional appropriations; and reenacting and amending RCW 90.54.050.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 90.54.050 and 1997 c 439 s 2 and 1997 c 32 s 3 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     In conjunction with the programs provided for in RCW 90.54.040(1), whenever it appears necessary to the director in carrying out the policy of this chapter, the department may by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW:
     (1) Reserve and set aside waters for beneficial utilization in the future((,)); and
     (2)(a) When sufficient information and data are ((lacking)) available to allow for the making of sound decisions, withdraw various waters of the state from additional appropriations ((until such data and information are available)).
     (b) Prior to withdrawing waters of the state from additional appropriations, the department shall ensure future water users have the ability to acquire sufficient water for all uses authorized under RCW 90.44.050. The department must have reasonable evidence that the program that provides future water users with sufficient water is accessible, easy to use, and operational. The department may utilize programs such as: A mechanism to bank water; a local water plan resembling the water plan authorized in chapter 90.92 RCW; water storage facilities; voluntary regional agreements resembling the voluntary regional agreement as authorized in chapter 90.90 RCW; or any other program suitable for providing sufficient water.
     (c) Before proposing the adoption of rules to withdraw waters of the state from additional appropriation, the department shall consult with the standing committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over water resource management issues.
     Prior to the adoption of a rule under this section, the department shall conduct a public hearing in each county in which waters relating to the rule are located. The public hearing shall be preceded by a notice placed in a newspaper of general circulation published within each of said counties. Rules adopted hereunder shall be subject to review in accordance with the provisions of RCW 34.05.240.