SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 978

BYHouse Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Rayburn, Baugher, Bristow, Doty and Lewis)

Revising provisions relating to the Yakima river basin enhancement project.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987; April 2, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:Tom McDonald (786-7404)

                April 2, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Since 1981 the state and federal governments have been conducting a study on the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project.  The primary objectives of the study are: (1) to provide supplemental water for presently irrigated lands; (2) to provide water for new irrigation development on the Yakima Indian Reservation and for increasing instream flows for anadromous fish; and (3) to develop a comprehensive water management plan for the basin.

The Department of Ecology has been directed to work with the congressional delegation to identify and advance elements of the Yakima enhancement project which have general public support and acceptable cost-sharing arrangements, meet study objectives, and otherwise have potential for early implementation.

In 1982 the Yakima Enhancement study team recommended early implementation of a fish passage and protective facilities program.  In 1984 Congress authorized the program.  In 1986 federal legislation was introduced on the early implementation of five nonstorage and one storage element for the Enhancement Project. No action was taken on the legislation, but it is expected that a similar bill will be introduced in the current session of Congress.

SUMMARY:

While the Yakima enhancement project is developed and implemented, the policy of the state requires that any new water project or modification of a water project, including fish passage or protective facilities, that creates a new demand for surface water from the Yakima river system include as a part of the project a supply of additional water to meet the demand created.

Water supplied by the early implementation proposal to raise the reservoir elevation of Cle Elum Lake by 3 feet shall not be considered a supply of additional water to meet any new demands of water.  Any permit or other authorization of a state agency required for the project must include the requirement of an additional supply of water as one of its conditions.  This policy does not affect existing rights to water valid under state law.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The amendment clarifies that construction of a new or modified water project may begin before the completion of the facility which will provide the additional water required to operate the water project.  More specific language is added to clarify that the provisions of the bill must not interfere with any existing water rights recognized under state law.

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Representative Forrest Baugher; Urban Eberhart, Kittitat Reclamation District; Jeff Dunning, Ellensburg Water Company; Jim Trull, Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District; Hedia Adelsman, Department of Ecology; Glenn Fiedler, Department of Ecology; Mike Schwisow, Department of Agriculture; Bob Lee, Department of Agriculture; Ron Van Gundy, Roza Irrigation District; Representative Shirley Doty