This section modifies existing section 89.12.170. Here is the modified chapter for context.
The department of ecology is authorized to enter into agreements with the United States for the allocation of groundwaters that exist as a result of the Columbia Basin project. Such agreements do not require compliance with the procedures set forth in RCW 90.44.130 for the establishment of groundwater areas or subareas, and for declarations of claims of ownership of artificially stored groundwater within such areas or subareas, except that the department of ecology is authorized to first establish a groundwater area or subarea under the procedure provided in RCW 90.44.130 before an agreement is entered into with the United States for the allocation of groundwater in such groundwater area or subarea. The agreements and any allocation of water pursuant to the agreements must be consistent with authorized project purposes, federal and state reclamation laws, including federal rate requirements, and provisions of United States' repayment contracts pertaining to the project. The agreements must provide that the department grant an application to beneficially use such water only if the department determines that the application will not impair existing water rights or project operations or harm the public interest. Use of water allocated pursuant to the terms of the agreements must be contingent upon issuance of licenses by the United States to approved applicants. This section is not intended to alter or affect any ownership interest or rights in groundwaters that are not allocated pursuant to the agreements. Before implementing any such agreements, the department, with the concurrence of the United States, shall adopt a rule setting forth the procedures for implementing the agreements and the priorities for processing of applications. The department is authorized to accept funds for administrative and staff expenses that it incurs in connection with entering into or implementing the agreements.