Inslee signs water rights bill
Gov. Jay Inslee, sitting, signs House Bill 1752, which authorizes the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to apply for and obtain approval for water right modifications.
COURTESY PHOTO/COLUMBIA BASIN DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
OLYMPIA — According to an announcement from the Columbia Basin Development League, CBDL, in collaboration with the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District, and South Columbia Basin Irrigation District, are celebrating the signing of House Bill 1752 by Gov. Jay Inslee.
According to the announcement, this legislation addresses technical challenges in managing water resources within the Columbia Basin Project. HB 1752 authorizes the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to apply for and obtain approval for water right modifications, an adaptation allowing more acres to be irrigated within the CBP without compromising the watershed.
The statement said the bill was sponsored by Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, and actively supported by the CBDL and the CBP irrigation districts.
“The bill's passage reflects a concerted effort among CBP stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the specific needs of Washington's agricultural community,” the statement said. “This collaborative approach has led to a practical solution for long-standing issues related to water rights management, ensuring the CBP's ability to support the state's agricultural sector more effectively.”