Feb 1, 2019Senate bill in Washington state could lead to more surface water access
A new bill introduced in the Washington state legislature could help get surface water drylands.
Senate Bill 5136 would create a water infrastructure program would fund projects through a competitive grant program, reported the Chinook Observer. The bill could provide up $5 billion in state funds for water projects if passed.
Targets areas for improvement are water availability, fish passage, reduction of storm water and areas at high risk for flooding.
Heath Gimmestad of Friehe Farms, which grows potatoes among numerous other crops, testified in support of the bill at a recent Senate committee meeting. Gimmestad, a member of the Washington State Potato Commission, said improvements would help farmers move away from well water.
“Surface water is cleaner, renewable and less expensive,” said Gimmestad, in comparison to deep well systems,” he said.
More water, more acreage
Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission, has said demand for more potato acreage is present.
“This Bill would go a long way in helping us develop new water for new potato ground,” he said. “As potato acreage would increase for this new water supply, we could create more much needed jobs in these economically depressed rural areas.”
He alluded to the overall benefits for the state’s ecosystem, but acknowledged it was a major financial investment of state funds.
“It would also increase fish habitat by fixing stream impediments like poorly designed culverts, it would prevent devastating flooding along the Chehalis river, and would reduce pollution in the Puget Sound by reducing stormwater runoff,” Voigt said. “It’s a great investment in much-needed infrastructure, but would require a big chunk of money from the state’s capital budget.”
If the bill makes it through the Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee, it will then move to the Senate floor for a vote.
