PUB00145 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Western States Water Council Full COUF1Cil Minutes Boise, Idaho April 22, 2005 . Washington Stephen Bernath said they have a new democratic governor and the same in the legislature. Washington is facing over a $1 billion shortfall for the biennium, and is looking to cut 1,000 full time equivalent (FTE) positions (mostly middle managers) by the end of the biennium. We have 50-60,000 FTEs. They hope to save $50 million. Our Columbia River Initiative, to come up with another 100,000 af of water for use, was started under Governor Locke. However, we have had almost no precipitation from January through February, and have only 30% of our usual snow pack. The Governor issued a March 1 drought declaration, and it started raining, The Legislature has appointed a standing joint committee on drought. We have a water reuse bill signed into law. In addition to the past public "urban" focus, it now allows private utilities to participate. We are in our 20111 month working with EPA to get water quality standards. On the Spokane River, we have TMDL, FERC relicensing and oxygen issues. Kansas Dave Pope reported it had been a light legislative session on water, with education the big item. They did pass a funding bill with fees for public water supplies and $.03/thousand gallons, rather than the sales tax that went into the general fund. There is now $2.5-$3 million that goes into the Water . Planning Fund each year ( with $15-$16 million total). A bill to dedicate project operations by law for recreation, despite return flow requirements and water rights, was defeated - reaffirming state water law. With respect to Missouri River issues, the good news is we are starting to see cooperative glimmers of hope. We have a new master water control manual and biological opinion. Though there are still issues regarding implementation and funding. We seem to be getting it together. There is $83 million in the President's request for related endangered species mitigation and recovery. Oregon Phil Ward said he appreciated WSWC member responses to their water measurement request. They face the same situation as Washington. There is a 7 % agency budget cut. Drought has left a 30- 40% snow pack, but rains are helping reservoirs. Rains started with the governor's drought declaration and continued through the Senate's drought hearings. KlamathLake filled this winter, and we are working on water banking with BOR. Our new governor is very interested in Columbia River management and is looking to meet with the other governors. South Dakota Garland Erbele reported they are in their 6111 year of drought. The Missouri system is low, as is Lake Oahe, with 35 Maf in storage compared to 57 Maf usually. If it hits the 31 Maf level, there will be no navigation in the upcoming year. Also, municipal intakes are effected. The Corps is spending $6 million to extend the intake for 14,000 people on the Sioux reservation. 12 .