HI HB1228

Department of Agriculture shall conduct a statewide water development study for agricultural uses analyzing surface water capacity, subsurface water capacity, and other water-producing facilities.

Study shall identify support facilities including storage and distribution systems, compute water demand for farming areas, develop alternatives for additional water capacity, and propose management concepts for irrigation systems.

Study shall include development of a geographical information system, implementation plan with funding alternatives, and summary of regulatory and legal frameworks.

Establishes water development study special fund administered by Department of Agriculture to be funded by legislative appropriations, federal funds, and interest earned on fund balances.

Department of Agriculture shall maintain expenditure records and submit annual reports to legislature no later than twenty days before each regular session; effective July 1, 2011.