Bill > SB5303

This bill extends the water supply milestone for the Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan from 2025 to 2035, making several key amendments to existing law. The bill modifies definitions and provisions related to the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, which is a long-term collaborative effort involving the Yakama Nation, federal, state, and local governments, and various stakeholders. Specifically, the bill changes the water supply facility permit and funding milestone date to June 30, 2035, allowing more time to secure permits and funding for water supply facilities designed to provide 214,000 acre-feet of water for instream and out-of-stream uses. The legislation also extends the expiration of certain related provisions, such as the requirement for the Washington State Water Research Center to review cost-benefit analyses of water supply projects. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Natural Resources to continue managing land purchased for the Teanaway Community Forest Trust, with a transitional management plan that focuses on protecting water supply, maintaining working lands, supporting recreational opportunities, conserving habitat, and fostering community partnerships. The bill is deemed an emergency measure and takes effect on June 30, 2025, reflecting the ongoing importance of water resource management in the Yakima River Basin.