BILL REQ. #:  H-3727.1 

Read first time 01/19/12.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

     AN ACT Relating to the use of water by public utility districts bordered by the Columbia river in pumped storage projects; adding a new section to chapter 54.16 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 54.16 RCW to read as follows:
     Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, a public utility district bordered by the Columbia river may supply water from a pumped storage generating facility under its control to be used in a pumped storage generating facility to any entity that sells water, directly or indirectly, to the public, and contracts therefor must extend over the period of years and contain the terms and conditions for the sale thereof as the commission of the public utility district elects. Such a contract may only be made pursuant to resolution of the commission authorizing such a contract, and the resolution must be introduced at a meeting of the commission at least ten days prior to the date of the adoption of the resolution. However, the commission shall first make adequate provision for the needs of the public utility district, both actual and prospective.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.