Legislation Allowing Irrigation Districts to Enter Public-Private Partnerships Clears House

Legislation giving irrigation districts across Washington the authority to enter into private-public partnerships unanimously passed the state House last week.  Prime Sponsor Tom Dent says this allows more control at the local level.

“Basically, what they’d like to do is build some more power generating stations in our canals.  We have all of that energy just going down the canal, if we could hook it to something and convert that water energy into electrical energy.”

Dent said House Bill 1578 will be especially beneficial when district lack funding to address maintenance and operation of their system.

“It’s really a good idea, it’s a bill that’s going to create jobs, it’s going to create some cash flow for our irrigation districts.”

Dent added anytime the government can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the irrigation system, it’s a positive step forward for those who rely on them for their livelihood.  HB 1578 has been referred to the Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunications Committee.

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