Walla Walla Watershed Pilot Receives Support In Olympia

Legislation introduced by state Representative Bill Jenkin extending the Walla Walla Watershed pilot appears to be on the path for passage.  House Bill 1013, expands the pilot program through 2021.  It also requires the local Management Board to complete financial and performance audits with the state Department of Ecology on past performance by the end of the year.

Fellow Republican representative Bruce Chandler said Walla Walla Watershed pilot was one of the earlier watershed management collaborations done in Washington.

“It has been very effective and very successful at improving the management of water, and seeing the people who need water can get water and helping all of the different parties get the most efficient and most valuable use out of the water.”

The legislation would also ask the management board to continue work with stakeholder groups to advance Walla Walla basin flow enhancement study.  The Pilot program has received support from the Walla Walla County Commissioners, Umatilla Tribe and the Washington Department of Ecology.

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