STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS31484 / H0687
This legislation starts the water adjudication process for the Kootenai River Basin in North Idaho. The Idaho
Department of Water Resources will be the responsible state agency. There will be no new staff requirements.
The IDWR staff assigned to the adjudication of the neighboring Pend Oreille Basin will remain for this project
after completing their current work. This project will likely take 4-5 years and is supported by the water users
of the basin. The Kootenai Basin is the last water basin in the state to address their water adjudication needs.
FISCAL NOTE
The estimated cost for the adjudication of water rights in the Kootenai River Basin is $3.25 million over a
five-year period, plus funding for the negotiation of federal claims. It is estimated there will be 3,000 claims in
the Kootenai River Basin Adjudication. The claim filing fees are anticipated to fund five to 10 percent of the
cost of the Adjudication.
Contact:
Representative Mark Sauter
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/29/2024, 10:31 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 42-1425, 42-1426