The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to extend the water supply milestone for the Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan to 2035. Key changes include the adjustment of the deadline for securing permits and funding for water supply facilities from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2035. Additionally, the bill specifies that the required water supply facilities must provide at least 214,000 acre-feet of water for both instream and out-of-stream uses. The amendments also update the percentage of appropriations that can be retained for administrative overhead expenses from twelve to 12 percent and extend the expiration date for certain provisions from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2035.

Furthermore, the bill allows the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land for the community forest trust without adhering to certain prerequisites typically required for such acquisitions. It establishes a transitional management plan for the land until the new milestone is met or until June 30, 2035, whichever comes first. The bill emphasizes the importance of managing the land in a way that supports water supply and watershed protection while also maintaining recreational opportunities and conserving vital habitats. The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and is set to take effect on June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 90.38.010, 90.38.110, 90.38.130