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Committee approves Shoshone‑Bannock tribal water bank rules and stream alteration rules
Summary
The Senate Resources & Environment Committee approved Docket No. 37-0204-2501 (Shoshone‑Bannock Tribal Water Supply Bank Rules) and Docket No. 37-0307-2501 (Stream Channel Alteration Rules) by voice vote after IDWR presentations; the tribes testified in favor and the stream alteration fee remains $20.
The Senate Resources & Environment Committee on Feb. 2 approved two pending rule dockets from the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
Mary Condon, project manager at IDWR, presented Docket No. 37-0204-2501, a rewrite of Shoshone‑Bannock Tribal Water Supply Bank Rules that the agency says enhances the authority and structure for leases and rentals of tribal stored water under the 1990 Ford Hull Water Rights Settlement Agreement. Condon said IDWR worked with the Idaho Water Resource Board and with legal counsel for the Shoshone‑Bannock Tribes on the rulemaking. Hailie Johnson‑Waskow testified "on behalf of the Shoshone‑Bannock Tribes" that the department consulted with the tribes and that the tribes supported the changes. Senator Okuniewicz moved to approve the docket; Senator VanOrden seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
Aaron Golart, IDWR's stream channel coordinator, presented Docket No. 37-0307-2501, which defines permit review and decision processes for in‑stream projects, sets minimum standards and exemptions, and outlines emergency permitting and enforcement. During discussion Golart noted a $20 stream alteration permit fee in the summary that remained unchanged. Vice Chairman Hart stated he had a conflict of interest under Senate Rule 39(H) but that he intended to vote; Senator Okuniewicz moved to approve, Senator Taylor seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
Chairman Burtenshaw said the committee ran out of time to consider Docket No. 37-0312-2501 and would take it up at a future meeting. The two approved dockets will proceed according to the rulemaking process described in the agency handouts; the committee recorded no roll‑call tallies, approving both by voice vote.
