SENATE BILL REPORT

2SSB 6779

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Madsen, Newhouse, Hansen, Benitz and Williams)

Providing for regional water resource planning.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6779 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Ed Dee (786-7449)

                February 2, 1990

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1990; February 6, 1990

Majority Report:     That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6779 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Newhouse, Niemi, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Michael Groesch (786-7715)

                February 12, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 10, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Ecology administers the state's water resource management laws.  Included among these is the Water Resources Act of 1971 (Chapter 90.54 RCW).  It requires waters of the state to be protected and fully utilized for the greatest benefit to the public.  The act also requires the department to develop and implement a comprehensive state water resources program and a process for making decisions on future allocation and use.  The department is further required to collect existing water resource information and develop additional data necessary for the comprehensive program.

The department has lacked the resources needed to implement a comprehensive water resources program.  Meanwhile, population growth and economic development have significantly increased the competition for limited water supplies.  This has heightened concerns for adequate water supplies to protect instream resources and values while meeting out-of-stream needs.

SUMMARY:

Findings/Intent.  Growth has created increasing demands on limited water resources.  Adequate water supplies are essential to meet the needs of a growing population and to protect instream resources and values.  Comprehensive planning involving the state, tribes, local government and interested parties is essential.  Diverse conditions and needs across the state require regional water resource planning.  A water resource data program is needed to support the planning efforts.  The Legislature intends to work closely with all parties to ensure the water resources of the state are wisely managed.

Water Resource Data Program.  The department must develop a comprehensive water resource data program that includes an information management plan and a resource inventory and needs assessment.  The department must establish a water resources data management task force to evaluate data management needs, advise the Legislature and the department in developing an information management plan, and conduct the inventory and needs assessment.  The department must provide a report to the Legislature prior to September 1, 1990 stating the preliminary findings and recommendations of the data management task force.  Prior to implementation of any preliminary findings and recommendations, and contingent on legislative funding, the department must develop a five-year plan for data collection and information management.  Commencing July 1, 1991, the department must provide annual reports to the Legislature summarizing progress on the five-year plan and the inventory and needs assessment.

Regional Planning Process.  The department must work with Indian tribes, local government, and interested parties to develop a water resource planning process to be implemented on a regional basis.  Prior to January 1, 1991, the department, with the involvement of Indian tribes, local governments, and interested parties, must identify regions and designate two pilot regions in which the process will be initiated.  Annual reports to the Legislature are required by July 1 each year summarizing progress in the pilot regions.  The process in each pilot region must be completed by December 31, 1993 and produce a regional water plan.

The bill is contingent on funding in the supplemental budget.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   AGRICULTURE:  Jim Anderson, NWIFC; Ken Merry, WA Water Utilities Council (pro); Elizabeth Tabbutt, WA Environmental Council; Chris Gregoire, Director, Department of Ecology

Senate Committee - Testified:   WAYS & MEANS:  Senator Scott Barr (pro); Senator Ken Madsen (pro)