Department of Ecology News Release - Feb. 16, 2001 01-025
OLYMPIA - With Washington on the verge of a drought this summer, the state's Water Storage Task Force has delivered to the state Legislature a timely report on storing water for businesses, communities, farms and fish.
The 2000 Legislature convened the temporary task force of water utility districts, agricultural associations, cities, counties, Indian tribes, legislators, the hydropower industry, environmental organizations and state agencies to evaluate various methods of storing water for times when it is most needed.
"The task force members brought good ideas to the table and did a lot to advance the discussion of water storage and how it should fit into a comprehensive water-management strategy," said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons, who chaired the task force.
The group agreed that water storage must serve multiple purposes and that defining and getting money to storage projects is crucial.
"Water management is very controversial, with many divergent opinions about whether it is the only option or one of several options for increasing our water supply," said Fitzsimmons, adding that the task force remained split on that question.
The legislature is now reviewing the task force's recommendations, which include:
Streamline the permit process for storage projects to reduce time and costs, and evaluate existing laws to eliminate gaps or conflicts.
Direct state agencies to help local watershed planning efforts review storage options.
Pursue creative funding methods, including federal monies, funds earmarked for restoring salmon, and state bonds. Consider establishing specific funding for designing and constructing storage projects.
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