Publication Summary

During the 2010 session, the Washington State Legislature enacted Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill (ESSSB) 6267, section 2 to require that the Department of Ecology review water resource program functions and funding structures, and provide recommendations to make improvements to the program. The legislation specifically states:

Sec. 2. Sufficient resources to support the department of ecology's water resource program are essential for effective and sustainable water management that provides certainty to processed applications. The department of ecology shall review current water resource functions and fee structures, and report to the legislature and the governor by September 1, 2010, on improvements to make the program more self- sustaining and efficient.

In response to this directive, Ecology produced a report to the Legislature and Governor in September 2010. The report, entitled 2010 Report to the Legislature and Governor: Review of Water Resources Program Functions and Fee Structure (the "6267 Report"), summarizes the ten distinct activities that encompass water resource management for Washington State and how these functions are funded.

Many water stakeholders asked for the opportunity to provide input on the 6267 report. In order to fulfill the legislative directive and meet the September deadline, and also allow for an open public review process, Ecology committed to providing a supplement to the Legislature and Governor compiling public and stakeholder comments.

The report was distributed to the Legislature and the Governor on September 14, 2010. On September 15, 2010, Ecology announced a public comment period related to the report. The initial comment period was scheduled for two weeks however Ecology extended the deadline to October 5, 2010, in order to accommodate additional comments. Further, Ecology has included all comments received up to October 12, 2010.

Ecology will endeavor to continue providing input received on the report to the Legislature and the Governor. Moreover, Ecology intends to consider these comments as agency-request legislation is developed on water management reform.