Dear friends and neighbors,
As we embrace the arrival of fall and draw closer to the 2024 legislative session, I’m excited to provide an update on the activities of this busy interim, particularly from my recent visit to the Yakama Nation earlier this month. As a member of the Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee in the Washington State Senate, this visit offered me insights into tribal governance and the significant role of local government in our beautiful state.
During my visit with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, I had the opportunity to learn more about the unique needs of the Yakima Valley, a region of great importance to our state. The Yakama Nation, one of the largest tribes in Washington, is an integral part of this community, and their input is valuable as we work to address local challenges and concerns.
One of the pressing issues we discussed was the changing dynamics of the Yakima Basin’s water supply. It’s concerning to note that snowpack numbers have been falling, and precipitation is increasingly coming down as rain instead of snow. This change poses significant challenges for water resource management, especially during the dry summer months.
To tackle this issue, they are exploring innovative solutions such as rainwater storage and off-channel storage systems. This involves using ditches to move rainwater to storage facilities, which are situated alongside the river. These off-channel storage areas could be used to supplement river flows during the summer, benefiting not only salmon but potentially irrigation needs as well. It’s a great example of different interests working towards a common goal of ensuring water availability for both the environment and local agriculture.
The Yakama Nation has a rich history and a unique legal status. Like many other tribes, they hold significant authority within their reservation. We discussed their self-governance, which allows them to make decisions on matters that affect their community.
During our visit, we also discussed the Growth Management Act (GMA), which guides land use planning for counties and cities across Washington. It’s all about striking a balance between supporting urban growth and preserving the beauty and character of rural areas.
The GMA places importance on local governments and their decisions, making it vital to have clear communication between state and local authorities. Our committee aims to create policies that help local communities make decisions that best serve their residents.
As we move forward, I want to assure you that your input and feedback are incredibly important. As your state senator, my goal is to represent your interests and ensure that our state’s laws and policies work for all of us.
If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns regarding these topics or any other issues, please feel free to reach out. Send me an email at jesse.salomon@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at 360-786-7662.
