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House passes historic plan
for the Columbia River
New law protects both fish and farmers
More than 15 years of haggling and conflict ended at 9:47 p.m. Monday
night when the House of Representatives took a huge step toward water
peace on the Columbia River.
“This is a great day for the citizens of Washington,” said Rep. Bill
Grant, D-Walla Walla, the author of the reform. “The Columbia is the
mightiest river in our state, a lifeline for commerce, farmers and fish.
Tonight, we took a bold step toward protecting the Columbia for all of
us.”
The Columbia River Plan (House Bill 2860) will:
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Provide for $200 million in
bonds to be used for water storage and conservation;
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Require one-third of the water
to stay in streams for fish and allows two-thirds of water to be
used for irrigation or drinking water; and
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Allow innovative agreements
between water users and the state to use water more efficiently and
protect valuable habitat for fish.
Grant worked with lawmakers from
both parties, environmentalists, farmers, the Department of Ecology, and
fishermen to craft the breakthrough compromise, which passed on a 94-4
vote.
"This is truly an historic piece of legislation that has been in the
works for several years. A lot of people representing many important
interests have provided input --including my predecessor, former Rep.
Dave Mastin -- and I believe it is a good compromise," said
Rep. Maureen Walsh,
R-Walla Walla. "This measure represents a strong commitment to eastern
Washington for the future and has been a long time coming. I'm proud I
was able to see this day finally arrive and play a part in helping the
bill pass."
The bill now goes to the Senate for their consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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