In the State of the State Address Gov. Otter made a request for $20 million for aquifer studies across the state. This funding request included additional study for the Spokane/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. No clear details were provided at the time regarding the need for additional funding, but word from the Governor's North Idaho office is that IDWR is stating that the report from the bi-state study concluded that additional technical study was needed on the aquifer. Two critical issues that the report said needed additional study was the water leakage from the lakes (Cd'A and Pend Oreille) and the flow composition in the Hoodoo area.
The Chamber has played a lead role on water issues in the State including securing the original funding for the bi-state aquifer study. We will continue to monitor this issue as well as advocate for funding for the Lake Management Plan here in our area.
