ANALYSIS OF HB 1549

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                 February 8, 1999

-  Requires the extension of the deadlines contained in a water right permit issued for a federal reclamation project in certain instances.

BACKGROUND:

If a person applies for a water right and the Department of Ecology (DOE) issues a water use permit, the permit will contain a deadline by which construction required for the water use is to be completed and beneficial use of the water is to take place.  This deadline may be extended by the DOE under certain circumstances.  (R.W. 90.03.320.)  If the water use is perfected under the terms of the permit, the DOE issues the permit holder a water right certificate.  (R.W. 90.03.330.)

SUMMARY:

If federal or state laws prevent or restrict water use otherwise authorized under a water use permit issued for a federal reclamation project, the DOE must extend the deadlines set in the permit for commencing work, completing work, and applying water to beneficial use.  The extension must be for a period that is not less than the period of nonuse or restricted use caused by the federal or state laws.