Local Water-Use Jurisdiction Passes Senate; To House

A bill that could help local communities make water-use decisions cleared the Senate on Friday and drew support from House lawmakers and the governor’s office.

The bill fell short of some lawmakers’ expectations, but key negotiators said they expected to settle their differences and predicted a compromise version would be sent to Gov. Gary Locke.

The governor’s signature could end years of sometimes bitter debate about water use and the protection of salmon habitat.

The bill, HB2514, moved out of the Senate 43-4 and now returns to the House, where a more comprehensive version passed two weeks ago.

Both versions try to establish ways in which local governments, utilities, Indian tribes and other interests can decide their future water needs. The versions differ over who gets to make decisions about water use and how broad the legislation should be.

Senate Agriculture and Environment Chairman Bob Morton said his proposal gives local interests more control.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for us in Olympia to tell people in Walla Walla who they should have at the table,” said Morton, R-Orient.

Morton’s proposal focuses on water quantity, leaving other issues such as water quality and habitat protection voluntary. The House version would make these issues mandatory if local groups go ahead with water-use plans.