Britt Raybould — Representative Raybould offered a motion to adopt the minutes.
Britt Raybould — Representative Britt Raybould makes the motion to send Senate Joint Memorial 107 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion is referenced again shortly afterward as the committee action on the memorial.
Laura Hurway — Laura Hurway introduced herself as executive director of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators and introduced the program.
Lori Gray — Lori Gray of the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation Districts is introduced as the first presenter, then identifies herself as the Secretary-Treasurer and begins her presentation on the Ridenbaugh Headworks Canal modernization.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller was called on and asked about how much the head had changed due to the rebuild of the head gate and diversion. The discussion then moved into answering his question about the difference in head.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller asks whether declining drainage flows are caused by a dropping water table and reduced incidental recharge, noting that incidental recharge is important to water problems in southern Idaho. After the witness responds, Miller follows up by asking whether other domestic or industrial water uses have also impacted the area being discussed.
Steve Miller — Representative Steve Miller is called on and asks what the total water savings will be across the whole system, with the discussion immediately moving into an answer to his question.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller was recognized by the chair and then asked how large the area is where the test wells are being conducted.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller asks how long the project has been in the federal process.
Judy Boyle — Speaker is referred to as Ms. Gray; likely Lori Gray, not a legislator.
Judy Boyle — Representative Judy Boyle is introduced and then presents House Bill 502. She explains that the bill would codify Forest Products Commission rules and update outdated language, and later responds to a question by noting the importance of public education and active forest management to the forest industry. The discussion then shifts to procedural follow-up, with the chair indicating that Boyle will carry the bill on the floor.
Judy Boyle — Representative Judy Boyle declares a Rule 80 conflict, explaining that her daughter works for the company being discussed.
Jack Nelsen — Jack Nelsen asked Ms. Gray to briefly explain the funding timeline and the project timeline, noting the need to understand how the project fits within the legislative fiscal year. The exchange continued as part of the same discussion, with a transcript error referring to him as 'Ms. Nelsen,' but the topic remained the same: clarifying the timing of funding and project implementation.
Jack Nelsen — Representative Jack Nelsen makes a brief supportive comment, expressing approval of the federal changes and Idaho’s budgeting process, and noting that Idaho DEQ also needs to process applications timely and competently.
Daniel Hoke — Daniel Hoke, the Boise River Watermaster for Water District 63, presents on Boise River water supply conditions and the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project. He explains that drain return flows have declined over time and that current snow water equivalent is well below typical levels, indicating broader supply stress. In response to committee questions, he discusses how reduced incidental recharge and groundwater declines affect drains and the water table, notes that recharge can be localized, and explains that the district primarily tracks surface water diversions. He also addresses land-use changes and domestic wells, emphasizing that the project is intended to help prevent a future conjunctive management problem similar to Eastern Idaho.
Jay Barlogi — Named as the next presenter from Twin Falls Canal Company.
Jay Barlogia — Jay Barlogia, general manager of the Twin Falls Canal Company, described the canal lining project and its scope. He explained that the company began lining canals in 2019 using 60-mil HDPE liner, including work on the Highline Canal and the low line, and noted remaining unlined mileage. He also discussed related project elements such as gravel cover needs due to groundwater conditions, the lateral one problem area near Castleford, and the return-flow network used to monitor system performance. He emphasized that excess water in the soils is harming crop production and that continued lining and monitoring are needed to manage the system effectively.
Charlie Shepherd — Representative Charlie Shepherd asks whether there has been any pushback or complaints that lining the canal and plugging the holes is causing groundwater levels to drop by reducing recharge through seepage.
Charlie Shepherd — Representative Charlie Shepherd first asked how House Bill 502 would benefit the forest industry, then moved to introduce the bill and send it to the House with a due pass recommendation, and finally expressed support for the motion as the discussion continued.
Mr. Barlow-Gee — The committee thanked him for his presentation and asked whether there were further questions.
Alan Jackson — Alan Jackson, manager of the Bingham Groundwater District, testified about the district’s ongoing efforts to address water issues. He described the district as proactive in responding to groundwater impacts on senior water rights holders and noted that some members are converting back to surface water with support from the Water Resource Board. He explained that the district has developed recharge facilities, but still lacks a full understanding of the aquifer, prompting investment in a drill rig, equipment, and grant-funded monitoring wells. Jackson highlighted the district’s strong partnership with the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, including telemetry on flow meters to track pumping and water-table impacts, and said that relationship is critical to success. He closed by thanking the state for its support and commitment to better understanding and developing new tools and infrastructure.
Mr. Jackson — Answered that the district covers most of Bingham County and is about 149,000 acres, with study extending beyond district boundaries.
Aaron Dowling — Aaron Dowling introduced himself as the manager of the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District and noted his additional roles as secretary for the Madison and Henry's Fork groundwater districts. He began outlining the district's work, including its role in surface water delivery and an upcoming discussion of project costs and funding sources.
Douglas Pickett — Representative Douglas Pickett asked whether the local utility was able to participate in financing the project, and Mr. Dalling responded by thanking him for the question.
Douglas Pickett — Moved to introduce RS 33-135.
Ron Mendive — Addressed as Chairman Mendive.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Stephanie Mickelsen is referenced as likely being involved because she farms in the area, and her nodding is taken as confirmation of that point.
Jerald Raymond — Jerald Raymond is introduced as the next/first speaker and then introduces himself as Representative Raymond from Legislative District 31, beginning his presentation of RS proposals and referencing prior legislation.
Shawn Dygert — Moved to introduce RS 331-09C-1.
Shawn Dygert — Representative Dygert introduces Senate Joint Memorial 107 and explains its relevance to District 23.
Shawn Dygert — Representative Shawn Dygert is asked to comment and briefly responds by saying he appreciates the committee's focus on responsible process and wants to help.
Dustin Manwaring — The transcript appears to mislabel the chair's response as 'Representative Miller'; likely a speaker-label error in the auto transcript.
James Petzke — Representative James Petzke of District 21 in Meridian introduced RS 33-135 concerning wildlife crossings, and the committee then followed up with questions about his presentation.
Emily Hendrickson — Emily Hendrickson introduces herself as working for Integra Delamar and notes that BLM has been the lead agency since 2020. She then explains the project timeline, saying Integra purchased the property in 2017, completed preliminary data collection, and will enter the NEPA process this year. She adds that the project has been selected for the permitting council’s Fast-41 transparency dashboard and says BLM has become more committed to moving the project forward.