FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2932

                                  C 295 L 90

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives K. Wilson, Miller, Baugher, Smith, Doty, Valle, Hine and R. Fisher) 

Providing for regional water resource planning.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Agriculture

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Ecology administers the state's water resource management laws.  Included among these is the Water Resources Act of 1971.  This act requires the quality of the state's natural environment to be protected and, where possible, enhanced.  The act requires that water allocation among competing users be based on securing the maximum net benefits for the people of the state. The act requires the Department of Ecology 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.

SUMMARY:

Findings/Intent.  The Legislature finds that 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 governments, and interested parties is essential.  The Legislature also finds that diverse conditions and needs across the state require regional water resource planning, and that a water resource data program is needed to support the planning efforts.  The Legislature intends to work closely with all parties to ensure water resource planning and management is in the public interest.

Data Management.  The Department of Ecology is required to develop a comprehensive water resource data program that will provide planning and management information useful on a regional and statewide basis.  The program is to include an information management plan and a resource inventory and needs assessment.  The department must establish a Water Resources Data Management Task Force, which is to include representatives of appropriate state agencies, Indian tribes, local governments, and interested parties.  The task force is to evaluate data management needs, provide advice and recommendations regarding the information management plan, and conduct the water resources inventory and needs assessment.

Prior to September 1, 1990, the department is to submit a report to the Legislature documenting current information flow and data collection processes and an analysis of task force recommendations relating to additional information needs.  The report is to include an estimate of funding requirements necessary to implement the Water Resources Data Program.

Contingent on legislative appropriation, the department is required to develop a five-year plan for data collection and information management approved by the Department of Information Services. Beginning on July 1, 1991, the Department of Ecology is to provide annual reports to the Legislature on the development and implementation of the five-year plan and the status of the water resources inventory and needs assessment.

Planning Process.  The Department of Ecology is required to work with Indian tribes, local governments, and interested parties to develop a water resource planning process to be implemented on a regional basis.  The department is required to identify regions throughout the state and to designate two such regions as pilot projects in which the process will be initiated.  The department is to submit annual reports to the Legislature summarizing progress in the pilot regions.  The process in the two pilot regions is to be completed by December 31, 1993.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

      Senate    49     0 (Senate amended)

      House             (House refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

      Senate    42     0

      House 97   0

EFFECTIVE:March 29, 1990