This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) and the remediation of cesspools in Arizona. Under the new provisions, counties will be authorized to apply for and receive financial assistance, including forgivable principal, specifically for the remediation, closure, or replacement of cesspools that pose risks to public health or the environment. This assistance can be funded through the Clean Water Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water Revolving Fund, and counties will be required to prioritize projects in vulnerable areas or those serving low-to-moderate income households. Additionally, counties will not need voter approval to accept this financial assistance, and they may establish income-based eligibility criteria for owner-occupied properties while being prohibited from applying means testing to abandoned or uninhabitable properties.

The bill also mandates that WIFA provide annual reports detailing the financial assistance awarded for cesspool remediation, including the number and location of cesspools addressed, the total amount of assistance provided, and recommendations for improving the program. Furthermore, it modifies existing definitions related to nonpoint source projects to align with Arizona's Nonpoint Source Management Plan and clarifies the legislative intent to address the public health risks posed by legacy cesspools. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the state's capacity to manage cesspool remediation effectively while ensuring no financial burden is placed on the state general fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-671, 49-1203, 49-1204, 49-1223, 49-1243, 11-264, 42-17106, 49-1221, 49-1241, 49-1201, 49-1261, 49-1274, 49-1275, 38-656, 49-1273, 35-146, 35-147, 49-1224, 49-1244, 49-201, 49-1225
House Engrossed Version: 11-671, 49-1203, 49-1204, 49-1223, 49-1243, 11-264, 42-17106, 49-1221, 49-1241, 49-1201, 49-1261, 49-1274, 49-1275, 38-656, 49-1273, 35-146, 35-147, 49-1224, 49-1244, 49-201, 49-1225
Senate Engrossed Version: 11-671, 49-1201, 49-1203, 49-1204, 49-1223, 49-1243, 11-264, 42-17106, 49-1221, 49-1241, 49-1206, 92-500, 100-4, 93-523, 95-190, 104-182, 49-1302, 42-5301, 49-352, 49-1261, 49-1274, 49-1275, 38-656, 49-1273, 35-146, 35-147, 49-1224, 49-1244, 49-201, 49-1225
Chaptered Version: 11-671, 49-1201, 49-1203, 49-1204, 49-1223, 49-1243, 11-264, 42-17106, 49-1221, 49-1241, 49-1206, 92-500, 100-4, 93-523, 95-190, 104-182, 49-1302, 42-5301, 49-352, 49-1261, 49-1274, 49-1275, 38-656, 49-1273, 35-146, 35-147, 49-1224, 49-1244, 49-201, 49-1225