The Oregon House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2803, which proposes significant increases in water right transaction and dam safety fees. This legislation aims to bolster the Oregon Water Resources Department's capacity to manage water rights and ensure dam safety amid growing concerns over water scarcity and infrastructure integrity.

The proposed fee increases are substantial, with a 135% hike for water right transactions and a 56% increase for dam safety fees. These adjustments are necessary to maintain current staffing levels and service quality through the 2027-2029 biennium. The committee noted that amendments to the bill are forthcoming, which will address rounding errors in the proposed fees and introduce a reduced fee tier for secondary water storage applications.

The dam safety program, which oversees over 950 state-regulated dams, plays a critical role in protecting public safety and infrastructure. The fees collected from dam owners are tiered based on the hazard rating of each dam, with the current fees set at $120 for low hazard, $230 for significant hazard, and $790 for high hazard dams. If the proposed increases are enacted, these fees would rise to $190, $360, and $1,235, respectively. The revenue generated from these fees is essential for conducting inspections, emergency planning, and engineering analyses, all of which are vital for preventing potential disasters associated with dam failures.

The committee emphasized the importance of the water right services division, which is responsible for processing various water-related applications and ensuring compliance with legal standards. As water scarcity intensifies in Oregon, the ability to manage and transfer water rights becomes increasingly crucial for both existing users and those seeking new rights. The division currently employs 29.4 full-time equivalents (FTE) to handle these responsibilities.

In conclusion, the discussions during the committee meeting highlighted the urgent need for increased funding to support water management and dam safety efforts in Oregon. As the state grapples with water scarcity and infrastructure challenges, the proposed fee increases aim to secure the necessary resources to protect both the environment and public safety. The committee's next steps will involve reviewing the forthcoming amendments and considering the broader implications of these fee adjustments on Oregonians' water rights and safety.