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SB 5303

Extending the water supply milestone for the Yakima river basin integrated plan to 2035.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 4 co-sponsors

Extends Washington's Yakima River Basin water supply deadline from 2027 to 2035, delaying infrastructure implementation affecting agricultural, municipal, environmental, and tribal water security.

Effective date 6/30/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5303

Legislative bill overview

SB 5303 extends a critical deadline in Washington's Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan from 2027 to 2035 for achieving water supply milestones. The bill modifies implementation timelines for this long-standing water management agreement designed to balance agricultural, municipal, environmental, and tribal water needs in one of the state's most water-stressed regions.

Why is this important

The Yakima River Basin supplies water to approximately 80% of Washington's irrigated agriculture and serves multiple competing stakeholders including farmers, cities, tribes, and environmental interests. Extending the deadline acknowledges the complexity and cost of implementing water infrastructure projects while potentially delaying critical water security improvements for a growing population and changing climate conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural vs. environmental trade-offs: Delayed implementation may extend current conditions affecting fish recovery and ecosystem restoration efforts that environmental groups prioritize
  • Infrastructure funding and feasibility: The eight-year extension suggests current funding mechanisms or project timelines are insufficient; raises questions about whether 2035 is realistic or represents further delay
  • Tribal water rights: The plan affects tribal sovereignty and treaty rights; stakeholders may dispute whether extensions adequately protect tribal interests or constitute further postponement of promised commitments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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