The proposed bill would update current statutes by establishing the Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program and its associated fund under the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA). It would expand the Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund (LTWAF) to include developing one or more brackish groundwater recovery projects that create new sources of potable water within the boundaries of this state. Additionally, the bill would create a continuously appropriated Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program Fund, managed by WIFA, which would be responsible for ensuring that administrative costs do not exceed 10% and for providing matching funds for qualifying projects. Furthermore, the bill introduces a structured process for WIFA to issue requests for proposals for brackish groundwater recovery and desalination projects, including evaluation criteria and funding allocation. It specifies a matching fund ratio of $1 for every $3 of total capital expenditures and mandates WIFA to adopt implementation rules within a specified timeframe. These updates aim to enhance water supply development efforts while ensuring responsible management of resources, with existing statutes remaining unchanged as indicated by ....

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-1303, 49-1304, 49-1309