FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6003

                                  C 491 L 87

BYSenator Hansen

Changing provisions relating to nonrelinquishment of water rights.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The federal Reclamation Act of 1902 requires the U.S. Department of Interior to secure water permits from a state for reclamation projects located in the state.  The Legislature has established by law a system designed specifically for processing water permit applications for federal reclamation projects.  Under this system, water has been set aside from appropriation for the second half of the Columbia Basin Project until December 14, 1989.  If the project is not constructed, the waters will be subject to appropriation by others.

SUMMARY:

Water currently set aside from the state's water appropriation process during reclamation studies associated with the Columbia Basin Project shall continue to be set aside, without need for periodic renewal, until the project is declared completed or abandoned by the United States.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    47     0

      House 83  12 (House amended)

      Senate    38     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987