i 



Subc. Considers 



Public Comment/ 



Revises Report 



October 29, 1998 



(Helena) 



T 



EQC Adopta Final 



Water Leasing Study 



Report 



October 30, 1998 



(Helena) 



\ 



EQC Submits 



Final Report to 



Legislature 



November, 1998 



On October 29th, the Subcommittee considered comments received on its 

 reports. It decided to add a conclusion to this report to better explain its 

 cautious approach and note that it was not intended to discourage other 

 proposals which may occur during the legislative hearing and amendment 

 process. It also decided to add a proposal to its bill draft to potentially expand 

 to the private-party and Clark Fork programs the ability to lease salvage water. 



At its October 30th meeting, the EQC adopted the Water PoUcy 

 Subcommittee's final report and recommendations regarding the DFWP leasing 

 program, subject to final editing by EQC staff. The Council requested the 

 recommended bill be drafted as a committee bill and submitted the necessary 

 paperwork to officially begin the bill drafting process. 



EQC staff conducted final editing of the report and bill draft and submitted the 

 final report to the Legislature by the December 1, 1998 statutory deadline. The 

 bill draft became the 414th bill draft request of the 1999 Session, and 

 subsequently assigned the tracking number of "LC414". Upon approval for 

 introduction into the legislative process, it will be assigned a HB or SB number. 

 Persons interested in its progress may track it through the legislative system by 

 its LC number, as well as its HB or SB nimiber when assigned. 



EQC members and staff thank persons who participated in the preparation of this report, including agency 

 staff, commentors, interviewees, and others. Questions regarding Subcommittee and/or Council 

 deliberations may be directed to EQC members or staff. 



Additional copies of this report may be requested fi-om the Environmental Quality Coimcil office in the 

 State Capitol, or by calling 406-444-3742. 



H 



EQC/DFWP 1998 Water Leasing Report 



