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Lawmakers hear mixed reactions to Yakima Basin milestone extension, dispute over interest payment to trust account
Summary
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5303 would extend Yakima Basin Integrated Plan water‑supply milestones 10 years and change the state treasurer and cost‑estimate requirements; opponents object to removing an interest payment tied to the Taneum Community Forest loan.
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 19 heard hours of testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5303, a bill that would extend milestone deadlines in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and change certain financing and reporting requirements.
Lily Smith, committee staff, summarized the proposal as extending the water‑supply permit and funding milestones tied to the Yakima plan by 10 years, ending an interest payment this year on a loan used in the Taneum Community Forest land purchase, and clarifying that the Department of Ecology has lead responsibility for updating cost estimates and financing plans. Smith told members a cost‑benefit analysis requirement for projects above $100 million would also be extended.
Sponsor Sen. Judy Warnick (13th Legislative District) framed the bill as a pragmatic step to keep the collaborative Yakima Basin Integrated Plan moving. She and several panelists said the…
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