House Appropriations Chairwoman Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, told the House that HB 479, which she is sponsoring in the House today, does the crucial water planning work that’s been put off during the recession. The bill makes the $15 million transfer that Gov. Butch Otter called for next year for water projects, but instead of making it next year, makes it with this year’s funds. Bell said there’s a saying that the “best time to plant a fruit tree is 20 years ago. She said, “The second-best time is now.” Said Bell, “There aren’t many times you can work on recharge and on planning and on the water. … There are only windows when you can do this.” The House voted 69-0 in favor of the bill, which now moves to the Senate.