Susan Gordon; The News Tribune
Gov. Gary Locke says he's willing to borrow $1 billion to build water projects to guarantee safe, abundant supplies for communities, fish and farmers.
"Water is the lifeblood of the American West," he told about 200 people gathered in downtown Tacoma on Tuesday. "Water is synonymous with progress and there will be no progress without water."
His endorsement of a $1 billion, 20-year state commitment came during the first of three days of discussions on proposed legislative changes in statewide water policy. The conference attracted lawmakers, tribal representatives, irrigators, fish experts and environmental activists.
Here's how Locke would spend most of the money: $300 million to ensure the health of public water supplies, plus conservation and water reuse; $100 million to help irrigators use water more efficiently; $300 million to increase water storage and delivery systems; and $100 million to buy or lease water for fish.
It is unclear whether Locke's proposal would require new or additional taxes. After his speech, the governor said it will be up to lawmakers and others with an interest in water to suggest a specific source of money. Similarly uncertain is whether the state has the financial wherewithal to sell such a large amount of bonds. "It depends on how it's structured," Locke said.
Regardless, Locke told the gathering the state ought to take advantage of current low interest rates. "It's time to invest in Washington's future," he said.
However, after the speech, Locke acknowledged that the proposed $1 billion plan would not pay for all the projects necessary to meet the state's water needs. Individual communities probably would be asked to put up matching funds, he said.
Locke said his top priority is to provide safe drinking water. He said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks shouldn't stand in the way of efforts to meet the state's water needs. Some of the money would safeguard municipal water supplies. "Our water supplies are threatened and vulnerable. We need to protect that," he said after the speech.
It won't be easy to share water supplies, but Locke urged lawmakers and others to work toward a compromise. Among Locke's goals for the 2002 Legislature is to set water-flow requirements for rivers and streams. He'd also like to change water-rights laws to reduce waste; provide water for high growth areas, such as Kent; and help irrigators add to their water reserves.
Locke directed much of his speech to farmers, who want more water for irrigation. The governor harkened back to the Depression era and recalled that the last dam built to hold back irrigation water on the Yakima River was erected in the 1930s. It's part of a federal irrigation project that sustains some of the state's most lucrative farmlands.
Then, as now, the state's economic outlook was grim. The state has already deferred construction of several important buildings. But Locke said he doesn't want to put off planning for new water projects.
"Times are tough, but there's no excuse for inaction and the need will never go away," he said.
This page created and maintained by Chehalis River Council
Send comments or questions to the: Chehalis River Council