Gov. Gregoire proposes $12 million fund to combat drought effects

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2005

Gov. Christine Gregoire today asked the Legislature for a $12 million fund to �take action right now to respond quickly and effectively to Washington�s drought conditions.�

�This money is needed right now to help buy water for farms, improve wells, protect fisheries and conduct other projects to protect and restore essential water supplies,� Gov. Gregoire said at a news conference. �It will also allow the Department of Natural Resources to hire firefighters earlier than usual.�

�If we can secure the needed water, we can reduce the number of displaced workers and the economic loss to farmers and our communities,� Gov. Gregoire said. �And where we can�t fully avoid the problems, we need to provide assistance and support to help folks pull through.�

The governor also said she is concerned about how the state can deal with possible droughts in future years. She is asking the Legislature for additional funding to support water-storage projects such as the Pine Hollow Reservoir project and the proposed Black Rock Reservoir. Both are in the Yakima Basin.

She urged Washington residents to remember that every region and community faces a different water situation. �We should all use water wisely, of course. I would urge Washington citizens to pay close attention to what their local water providers are recommending in the way of water use.�

Here is what Gov. Gregoire is proposing:

A $12 million supplemental budget request that would include:

• $1.8 million now currently in the state�s drought accounts.


• An additional $8.2 million in capital funds to buy water, improve wells and conduct other water-supply projects.


• An additional $2 million in operating funds to support drought permits and assistance programs in the state agencies, including the departments of Ecology; Agriculture; Health; and Community, Trade and Economic Development.


• The $2 million in operating funds includes $200,000 to the Department of Natural Resources to hire and train seasonal firefighters earlier in the year than normal.

Included in the 2005-2007 budget would be funding for water storage projects including:

• $16 million in new funds for water projects, including new storage projects needed to implement watershed plans. Funding for the development of the Pine Hollow Reservoir in the Ahtanum area of the Yakima Basin is included in this proposal.


• $1.8 million in continued funding support for studying the Black Rock Reservoir project.


• $6.7 million to develop new storage on the Columbia River main stem.

Gov. Gregoire on March 10 authorized issuance of a drought emergency in the state of Washington, citing record low snow pack, record high temperatures and record low stream flows throughout the state.