Statement from Rep. Luanne Van Werven on passage of Hirst agreement and capital budget
Thursday night, the Washington State House of Representatives and state Senate passed legislation to address the state Supreme Court Hirst decision, as well as the capital budget.
Rep. Luanne Van Werven, R-Lynden, voted in favor of the Hirst solution, Senate Bill 6091, and the capital budget. She released the following statement:
“The Hirst fix addresses many of the concerns we had in Whatcom County after the court ruling. It provides some certainty and a long-term solution surrounding our state’s water law. Those who have had their lives on hold because they could not access water can breathe a sigh of relief. The legislation grandfathers in existing wells and removes the burden the court put on the counties to find their own legal water.
“A Hirst solution also means that many Whatcom County projects can move forward with the passage of the capital budget. Projects such as the Whatcom Community College Learning Commons, Lynden’s Pepin Creek project, Ferndale Pioneer Park ADA walkway and the Ag Center at the NWWA Fairgrounds.
“Both parties should be commended for their work. We are expecting the governor to sign the Hirst bill and the capital budget.”
