Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter called on legislative budget writers this week to augment his Executive Budget request for FY 2017 by adding funding to reverse Idaho’s declining aquifer levels, especially the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA).
“After additional discussions with the Idaho Department of Water Resources on the funding necessary to meet the State’s commitment under the settlement agreement for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, I am revising my budget recommendation to fully fund its accelerated implementation,” Otter said in a letter to members of the legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
Under the proposed revision, $6.5 million in one-time funding would be transferred to the Secondary Aquifer Planning, Management and Implementation Fund, which would see its total transfer increase to $16.5 million. Ongoing funds for water sustainability projects would also be increased statewide by an additional $3 million for a total of $5 million.
“All water users understand that this is about sustainability and the health of the aquifer,” House Speaker Scott Bedke (R-Oakley) said. “I appreciate Governor Otter revising his budget recommendation to reflect the urgent need to address this critical issue.”
Otter praised Bedke, Senate Resources and Environment Committee Chairman Steve Bair (R-Blackfoot) and Chairman of the Idaho Water Resource Board Roger Chase in his Jan. 11 State of the State and Budget Address for their ability to bring two water-user groups together to resolve ESPA water rights disputes. He added that the settlement between the Surface Water Coalition and groundwater users would ensure that the aquifer remained healthy now and in the future.
“This action will accelerate crucial water recharge efforts and enhance our aquifers so they become truly sustainable resources for Idaho citizens, municipalities, businesses and agriculture,” Bair said.