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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act HB 2

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Office of the State Engineer (SEO)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $2,022.8 from the general fund to SEO for the purpose of continuing work on establishing the waters administration technical and engineering resources system (WATERS) database by abstracting and imaging information contained in paper files.

Significant Issues

Completion of the WATERS database is SEO number one priority in managing the states' water resources. The interim legislative Water and Natural Resources Committee agreed with the importance of the WATERS database. According to SEO, $1.7 million has been spent on the project and at the current rate of spending, the abstracting and imaging of files will take 16 years. Through additional appropriations, the goal is for completion in four years. This project will enable the following:

1. provide on-line access and download capabilities via the internet for queries to the water rights information file;



2. provide on-line application filing;

1. provide on-line application status;



2. eliminate the need for paper files in water rights application processing and adjudications;



3. provide integration with graphical interface systems for research and documentation and to show hydrographic and topographic data;



4. improve workflow by allowing the staff to research files and make recommendations electronically for approval by supervisors;



5. provide an integrated and common database which conforms to statutes, rules and regulations, and policies and procedures within and between divisions;



6. provide automated reminders of required actions and formatted letters to clientele;



7. provide efficient tracking of water use that can be used to facilitate regional planning;



8. allow efficient tracking of permit compliance;



9. abstract water right files under controlled conditions; and



10. preserve paper documents through imaging and archiving.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

Performance measures for abstracting and imaging WATERS are included in the proposed fiscal year 2002 budget.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $2,022.8 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Currently, the imaging and abstracting to WATERS is being done through contract. SEO is evaluating whether to continue the effort through contract or with term employees.

RELATIONSHIP

HB 2 includes a special appropriation of $1,000.0 for WATERS abstracting and imaging of existing files.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

• Please explain how WATERS is being used by the staff and the public?



• How is the contractor meeting performance requirements in imaging and abstracting WATERS?



• Is it realistic to expect WATERS abstracting and imaging to be completed in four years?



• Has SEO established a priority as to what order the water basins will be entered into WATERS?



• What will be the impact if this bill is not enacted?

GAC/lrs/njw