Phil Hart — The chair asked Senator Nichols to come forward and state her name for the record.
Phil Hart — Recognized by the chair to make a motion.
Phil Hart — Senator Hart asks whether winter stock water is a different allocation than summer use.
Phil Hart — Senator Hart asks for clarification about how stock water works with the diversion rate.
Phil Hart — Asked about watering stock out of a water right and received clarification that it is generally not an additional water right.
Phil Hart — The chair called for a vote after the motion and second.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook was identified as the member who seconded the motion.
Kevin Cook — Made a motion to accept docket 37-0312-2-250-250.
Kevin Cook — Senator Kevin Cook asked Director Weaver to explain the pros and cons of getting people to join the water districts, including why someone might choose not to join, seeking clarification on the benefits and drawbacks of participation.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook asked about efforts related to Bear Lake additional storage and followed up by discussing how Bear Lake is currently operated by PacificCorp and Rocky Mountain Power, continuing the same line of questioning about water use and storage.
Matt Anders — Matt Anders, the Planning and Project Section Supervisor for the Idaho Department of Water Resources, introduced himself and began presenting proposed changes to the water administration rules in the Big Lost River Basin fee rule. His presentation was briefly paused due to a technology issue, then resumed with a note that committee members had hard copies of the material he was discussing.
Mark Harris — Seconded the motion as Senator Cole, likely a transcription error for a committee member name.
Mr. Anders — Was thanked by the chair after the vote.
Matt Weaver — Matt Weaver was introduced as the next presenter, then identified himself as the director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources and began an agency update. He continued the update by thanking the chairman and committee for the opportunity to present again and introduced Jeff Raibolt as the Idaho Water Resource Board chairman.
Nick Miller — Nick Miller, formerly the Western region engineer manager, is now heading up the new bureau as it is built out over the next couple of years.
Ray Ledgerwood — Described as having extensive experience in soil and water conservation work.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw is addressed as 'Mr. Chairman' during the same brief exchange, with the mention repeated in the response.
Ron Taylor — Praised Director Weaver and his group for diligent work with the Big Wood Groundwater Users Association and thanked them for their efforts.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Guthrie questions the presenter about how reducing seepage through canal lining affects water rights and diversions. He asks whether the water saved by lining canals actually reduces the amount diverted or simply prevents water from going into the ground, and whether anyone else gains or loses that water. He notes that this differs from what he previously understood and asks that the issue be watched closely. The presenter responds that the plan is for the Twin Falls Canal Company to reduce diversions.
Alan Jackson — Referenced as a prior presenter in a discussion about the Twin Falls Canal Company lining example.
Mr. Able — Says the Twin Falls Canal Company should be able to divert less water if transmission losses are reduced, benefiting groundwater users and the ESPA.