The Washington State house Ag and Natural Resources Committee heard bills that would address water rights and particularly the Hirst Decision. Senator Judy Warnick, who sponsored the bills said it's a slow process, but she's cautiously optimistic.

"I'm hopeful that we'll get a compromise but some of the proposals were proposals that our side can't really address at this time because of the cost and because of the uncertainty of people who live in areas that need mitigation."

The bill was heard in executive session Wednesday morning, but was not voted on.

Warnick said that without a bill to address Hirst, rural areas could see an exodus of people.

"I'm hoping that we're going to be able to come together and get a solution because people out in the rural areas especially are tired of waiting."

 

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