In order to fully implement this chapter, the department may negotiate and enter into cooperative agreements with Indian tribal governments, adjacent states and Canadian governmental agencies when a groundwater management area is contiguous with or affects lands under their jurisdiction. Such cooperative agreements shall not affect the jurisdiction over any civil or criminal matters that may be exercised by any party to such an agreement. Intergovernmental agreements shall further the purposes of this chapter, and shall serve to establish a framework for intergovernmental coordination, minimize duplication, and efficiently utilize program resources to protect groundwater resources.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
90.44.400. WSR 86-02-004 (Order DE 85-24), § 173-100-140, filed 12/20/85.]