HB 2296 - DIGEST

Appropriates the sum of one million eight hundred thousand dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, from the state general fund for deposit in the state emergency water projects revolving account.

Appropriates the sum of one million eight hundred thousand dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, from the state emergency water projects revolving account to the department of ecology for the costs incurred by the department of ecology in taking action pursuant to the declaration of a statewide drought emergency.

Appropriates the sum of two hundred thousand dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, from the state general fund to the department of natural resources for the costs incurred by the department of natural resources to be able to activate fire fighters to respond to the heightened risk of forest fires pursuant to the declaration of a statewide drought emergency.

Appropriates the sum of eight million two hundred thousand dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, from the state taxable building construction account for deposit in the state drought preparedness account for project number 05-4-009.

Appropriates the sum of eight million two hundred thousand dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, from the state drought preparedness account to the department of ecology for costs incurred in responding to the state drought emergency, for project number 05-4-009.

Declares that projects or measures for which funding or compensation will be provided must be connected with a water system, water source, or water body which is receiving, or has been projected to receive, less than seventy-five percent of normal water supply, as the result of natural drought conditions. This reduction in water supply must be such that it is causing, or will cause, undue hardship for the entities or fish or wildlife depending on the water supply.