(1) In the development and implementation of the comprehensive state water resources program required in RCW
90.54.040(1), the process described therein shall involve participation of appropriate state agencies, Indian tribes, local governments, and interested parties, and shall be applied on a regional basis pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Prior to July 1, 1991, the department, with advice from appropriate state agencies, Indian tribes, local government, and interested parties, shall identify regions and establish regional boundaries for water resource planning and shall designate two regions in which the process shall be initiated on a pilot basis. One region shall encompass an area within the Puget Sound basin in which critical water resource issues exist. A concurrent pilot process may encompass a region east of the Cascade mountains.
(3) The department shall report to the chairs of the appropriate legislative committees prior to July 1st each year summarizing the progress of the pilot process in the two regions. The pilot process in each region shall be completed and shall produce a regional water plan by December 31, 1993.
(4) Appropriate state agencies, Indian tribes, local governments, and interested parties in regions not selected for the pilot program are strongly encouraged to commence water resource planning within their regions.