Adjudication process continues at Legislature

In my last article, I outlined what the Legislature had been considering regarding the North Idaho adjudication and this is a followup to let you know the progress we have made.

The bills that we proposed to stop or stall the process were all killed after three days of hearings in the Senate Resources Committee as those senators felt that the North Idaho adjudication should proceed. Obviously we were disappointed in those decisions, but are pleased they at least agreed to diminish the impact.

Three bills which came out of committee and were passed on the Senate Floor and the House Resources Committee, S1352 reduces the fees to where they were for the Snake River Basin Adjudication and cap the filing fees for Avista's Cabinet Gorge Dam at $250,000 - a savings of at least $1.6 million to the rate payers in our area in permit fees alone. If the bill passes the fee for domestic users wishing to participate in the filing process will be $25 for prerecorded and $50 for unrecorded domestic and stock water rights.

S1418 removes Basin 98 - Basin 98 is almost entirely in Boundary County and has no hydrological connection to the other basins. There are international issues involved as the waters in the Kootenai and Moyie Rivers run into and out of Canada.

Last but not least is S1354 asking the courts to defer participation in the adjudication for domestic and stock water users - allowing each of you the opportunity to make the decision for yourself if you want to opt in and participate in the adjudication process or not. These bills will be heard in the House in the coming week and if passed will go to the Governor to be signed into law.

All of the bills being considered by the Legislature can be read on the Legislature's Web site at: http://www3.state.id.us/legislat/legtrack.html

We are hopefully more than half way through our session and most of the bills have been introduced that will be coming before us this year. There are a few items still being brought forward so please contact us with any input you may have.

We all appreciate getting your calls and letters. You can contact me or the other legislators from our area toll free at 1 (800) 626-0471.

n Joyce Broadsword serves in the Idaho Senate and represents District 2. She is a Cocolalla resident.