Bill > SB674

This bill allows the Water Resources Commission to permit the appropriation (legal allocation) of water from the main channel of the Columbia River at a rate of two percent of its average annual flow, which would be used for purposes like irrigation. The bill ensures this water allocation is consistent with federal law and existing interstate water compacts, and modifies existing state regulations to enable this specific water use. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to grant easements (legal rights of passage or access) over their controlled real property if those easements are necessary to facilitate the water appropriation, with the agencies allowed to charge up to the fair market value for such easements. The legislation specifically notes that standard state water rights provisions will still apply to this water appropriation, except where they conflict with the bill's specific provisions. The bill appears designed to create a clear legal pathway for using a small, defined portion of the Columbia River's water resources while providing state agencies the mechanism to support such water allocation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB674