This bill proposes the establishment of the Rural Watershed Sustainability Initiative Fund, which will be administered by the department and consist of legislative appropriations. It allows the director to accept federal funds and private contributions to support the fund's objectives. The bill also stipulates that up to fifteen percent of the fund's resources can be used for administrative purposes, including hiring additional staff as necessary. Furthermore, it mandates the provision of grants to local watershed groups in rural areas to cover various operational needs, such as staff training, technology, and grant application fees.
Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility criteria for watershed groups to apply for project funding, prioritizing those with clear goals for water conservation and those located in critically depleted groundwater basins. It requires the department to adopt rules for application processes, grant amounts, and reporting requirements. The bill also includes a specific appropriation of $500,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the initiative, which is exempt from lapsing provisions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance funding and support for local watershed groups to improve water conservation efforts in Arizona.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 45-119