Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association
Water Resources Policy for Washington’s Future.
Although we live in a world of uncertainty, CSRIA members and those we
work with can rely on the CSRIA to support water resources policies that will
improve Washington’s economic and social well-being.
The CSRIA will “keep the water at the pumps;” and it will work to enhance access to
new water supplies for irrigation, industrial, and municipal use.
In any forum, CSRIA will field high-quality technical capability and experienced-based
foresight, offering effective state/federal water resources management.
A sound leadership strategy for Washington’s water resources management is no
different than the leadership direction required for other key segments of our state
government. It must be based on:
A clear understanding of how to prioritize basic needs and objectives, focusing on economic
benefits and cost-effectiveness for resource development and allocations.
It’s about our economy.
A fundamental restructuring of state government’s delivery system and a retreat from
over-reaching administrative process and regulation.
A respect for real, not empty-gesture, environmental resources and benefits.
Action items for implementing this leadership strategy include:
Support for water resources projects that are economically/technically sound and promote
the direct interests of water right holders and our communities.
Promoting stewardship and environmental benefits that are best served through sound
economic policies for water resources management.
Opposing any state actions to “tax,” directly or indirectly, existing or new water rights,
via new Water Resource Program fees.
Restructuring the existing Ecology/Water Resources Program: decentralize governing
authority and reprioritize primary services.
Changing water right relinquishment provisions under the water code by defining
beneficial use, and water right validity, as the peak-year water use over the most recent
15-year period of water use.
Fully implementing the CSRIA Conservation O&M Program, providing access to new
irrigation development through water efficiency improvements.
Using Columbia River Program funds to build a public-private sector water delivery
system for the “above I-90” Odessa Subarea; and continue phased development actions
below I-90, with private-state-USBR partnerships.
Support an expedited review of inter-basin water transfers for the Walla Walla and Yakima
Basins, using direct-service water pipelines; along with expanding economically feasible
in-basin reservoir storage and efficiencies.
Columbia/Snake River Irrigators Association • CSRIA.org
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