SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1929

BYRepresentative Rayburn

Extending the effective date of certain emergency drought relief laws.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988; February 26, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Hansen, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Tom McDonald (786-7404)

                  February 26, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FEBRUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In anticipation of a water short year in 1977, the Legislature passed a temporary emergency water withdrawal and facilities bill.  This legislation gave the Department of Ecology authority to take extraordinary action to withdraw and distribute water on a temporary basis and to improve or replace water supply facilities to alleviate drought conditions on irrigated land.  The permit process required from other state agencies to withdraw water or construct facilities was expedited and the department was provided with temporary easements over state land necessary to carry out the legislation.

The legislation authorized the sale of bonds worth $18 million to fund the emergency drought program.  The department was given the authority to make loans, grants or a combination of loans and grants to public entities for drought relief purposes.  The grant portions for any project could not exceed 15 percent.  This legislation expired on September 30, 1977.

In 1987 the Legislature reenacted the temporary emergency drought legislation and extended its expiration date until October 31, 1987.  The 1987 legislation also permitted a water right to be temporarily changed in purpose, place of use, or point of diversion.  The temporary transfer must have been between willing parties and consistent with the water code.

SUMMARY:

The emergency authority granted to the Department of Ecology and the emergency permit procedures established by the 1987 drought statutes are extended to April 30, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 17, 1988

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Trull, Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District; Hedia Adelsman, Department of Ecology; Curt Smith, office of the Governor