January 14, 1998
98-016
House Bill 2514 is the result of four months of discussion by the four Republican and Democratic environmental-committee leaders in the state Legislature: Rep. Gary Chandler (R-Moses Lake); Sen. Karen Fraser (D-Lacey); Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham), and Sen. Bob Morton (R-Orient). The lawmakers said they were motivated by the desire to help local communities determine how to protect fish and wildlife while also providing enough water for future population and economic growth.
"This legislation is a good first step in our efforts to grapple with the water crisis in this state," said Chandler, who chairs the House Agriculture & Ecology Committee. "It sets the stage for what I hope will be fruitful discussion during the legislative session."
"Water conservation and the Endangered Species Act are both important and timely topics, and ripe for legislative discussion," said Morton, chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Environment Committee. "However, they must be addressed in the proper forum. This bill provides a base to build on through the normal legislative process."
HB 2514 would establish an optional framework and four-year timeline for local communities to follow if they choose to create watershed-management plans. "Watershed planning units" would be appointed to develop a plan for a geographically defined "management area." Members would include local cities, counties, water utilities and conservation districts within the management area; state-agency representatives; certain Indian tribes; general citizens; and balanced representation of major economic interests in the area.
As a first priority, the watershed planning units would determine in-stream flows for rivers and streams in their management areas, because ensuring adequate stream flows is a fundamental step in recovering depleted fish stocks. Next, the planning units could develop management plans for water quality, water quantity and/or water-related habitat. State funding would be provided to help local governments pay for these efforts for the first four years.
Fraser said she is pleased with the bill’s emphasis on locally based planning. "This bill provides a path by which citizens can be actively involved in planning and managing the resources in their local watersheds," she said. "It will lead to much-needed strategies for setting in-stream flows, achieving good water quality and recovering salmon runs."
Linville applauded the bipartisan approach to this crucial topic. "If we don’t take action on water issues soon, we will guarantee failure," she said. "It’s heartening to see the kind of cooperation we’ve achieved concerning one of the most vital issues facing the state." Fraser and Linville are the ranking Democrats on their respective committees.
The House and Senate committees on agriculture and the environment have scheduled a joint public hearing on HB 2514 at 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the John L. O’Brien Building, Hearing Room A, in Olympia.
CONTACTS: Rep. Gary Chandler, 360-786-7932 Sen. Karen Fraser, 360-786-7642 Rep. Kelli Linville, 360-786-7854 Sen. Bob Morton, 360-786-7612