The water rights processing account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from the fees collected under RCW 90.03.655, 90.03.665, and 90.44.540 must be deposited into the account. Money in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may only be used to support the processing of water right applications for a new appropriation, change, transfer, or amendment of a water right as provided in this chapter and chapters 90.42 and 90.44 RCW or for the examination, certification, and renewal of certification of water right examiners as provided in RCW 90.03.665. During the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium the legislature may transfer from the water rights processing account to the state drought preparedness account.

Effective date—2016 sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 18.20.430.

Intent—2010 c 285: See note following RCW 90.03.265.