Things To Watch
Legislation

May 24, 2007

Senator Amodei attached SB 405 to AB 285 (Sheila Leslie's bill to reopen the State Engineer's protest period if the application sits for over 7 years). SB 405 still has a dangerous clause in section 1 of the bill that overrides local county jurisdiction.

He also placed AB 313, the water conservation bill on the last meeting agenda tomorrow pending what the Assembly does on SB 487, which was completely amended by the Assembly Gov't Affairs and passed with one dissenting vote. SB 487 has been sent to the full Assembly for future action which must occur before the end of the day tomorrow for it to survive.

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RULES BE SUSPENDED

THIS IS MOST UNUSUAL THIS EARLY IN THE SESSION

SENATOR RAGGIO — MOTION THAT THROUGH APRIL 24, 2007, RULES BE SUSPENDED, TO DECLARE THAT ALL BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS JUST REPORTED OUT OF COMMITTEE WITH A DO PASS BE DECLARED AN EMERGENCY MEASURE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION AND BE PLACED IMMEDIATELY ON THIRD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE FOR THE NEXT AGENDA.

10. INTRODUCTIONS, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE

SENATOR NOLAN — MOTION TO REFER ALL ASSEMBLY BILLS TO COMMITTEES AS INDICATED.

SB487 (Northern Nevada Water Authority) would be affected under second motion (out of committee 4/13 with do pass)

Also, SB222, Nye County Water Authority, falls in that category.

ON ASSEMBLY SIDE

AB285 (reopen protest period) will be reported out of committee and is on second reading list to be amended.

AB447: Bi state commission (Sandy Valley Bill) is not on the agenda today.

SB447: Carson City bill, is not on the Assembly agenda today.

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Commissioner Stands Alone
BDR48-183 / SCR26

February 20, 2007
Commissioner Jim Galloway made a valiant effort on behalf of the people

Washoe County Commissioner Jim Galloway attempted with a motion to preface their letter of recommendations and amendments with a statement saying they were opposed to the Bill but if the Bill goes through it should have the changes made in other documents.
 In support of motion:
   Jim Galloway,   Pete Sferrazza
 In opposition to motion:
   Bob Larkin,   Bonnie Weber,   David Humke

The Commission then voted to forward their comments to Senator Amodei which contains the following language; "The Board has consistently supported the formation of a Regional Water Entity to provide water resource planning, cooperative water resource development, conservation and integrated management of new water supplies. We believe that there is substantial agreement among the parties"

Washoe County Documents
Attachment 1 - Response to Sen Amodei
Attachment 2
Draft Cover Letter to Senator Amodei
staff report 2-20-07 draft

February 19, 2007
Sun Valley General Improvement District (SVGID) workshop on BDR 48-183

The SVGID Board made it official in accepting their Attorney's recommendations of making specific amendments to BDR 48-183 or in the words of Susan Severt (Valley Voice) "keeping their dog in the fight."

Washoe County Commission holds a
hearing-- or did they?

February 13, 2007
A very high ranking Washoe County official stated "we have to go along with Senator Mark Amodei, for fear of Retaliation."

All the people who spoke (except one) expressed opposition to
BDR 48-183 (the Bill) creating the "Northern Nevada Water Authority."

Perry DiLoreto representing the developer community spoke in favor of the Bill. He gave as an example why they need the Bill, the county's new water treatment plant that needs development to bring water to the facility and pay hookup fees. He lamented over the fact that the developers have to bring, their, water and pay for its treatment. The developers want a better conjunctive use plan.

Tina Nappe pointed out "this is a supply side Bill, with the supply of money to come from us and the supply of water to come from unknown sources."

Pat Phillips pointed out "this is not about Conservation, but about Redistribution."

Steve Bradhurst and Don Vetter made the connection with and warned of the folly with Honey Lake Water.

Susan Lynn expressed concern that the region will be without a water plan, with the advent of this Bill.

Ira Hansen expressed concern over eminent domain.

Senator Mark Amodei, who shepherded the Bill through the hearing process to BDR 48-183, stated that this BDR is not for growth or for developers.

As the conclusion, the commissioners supported their existing position of support for the Bill with perhaps a few adjustments.

This may be on the Washoe County Commission Agenda
February 20, 2007 as item #27 for a formal vote.
> Water Boy <

Analysis by District Attorney's Office of BDR 48-183 (1MB)

Commissioner David Humke calls on the Commission as a whole to hold a public hearing on BDR_48-0183 / SCR26.
Date February 13, 2007 at 4:30pm

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 26
Otherwise known as SCR 26

This resolution has produced numerous recommendations and six separate Bill Draft Request for the 2007 legislative session beginning February 5, 2007.

Not available to the public yet (except here)
Another Layer of Government:
The impacts of this, both to the area as a whole and people individually (pocket book) are enormous.

Good or Bad, send in your response?

BDR_48-0183 a major byproduct of SCR26 provides for many things here are some highlights—
1. Creates a new entity the “Northern Nevada Water Authority” (NNWA) which will oversee all existing water purveyors.
2. NNWA will be given the authority to (with the expectation) establish, charge and collect various fees for services relating to water.
3. Issue bonds and other obligations.
These expenditures are in addition to those of existing water purveyors.

Click here, for BDR_48-0183.pdf

For those interested in Domestic Well issues:
Recommendations No. 1 and 2 which are producing a BDR - 206, the exact language is not available as yet, however the recommendations address the following:
For violators of excess water consumption to pay an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000 per day for each violation; and be liable for any expense incurred by the Division of Water Resources in investigating and stopping the violation.
Click here for "Work Session Document" containing proposed Domestic Well Regulations.

Click here for a list of Bill Draft Request (BDR)

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