This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding the water infrastructure finance authority of Arizona, specifically focusing on the remediation and replacement of cesspools. It expands the eligibility for financial assistance to all counties, not just those authorized to operate sewage systems, allowing them to access funds for projects that address cesspools posing risks to public health and the environment. The bill introduces new provisions for counties to apply for financial assistance, including forgivable principal, and mandates prioritization of cesspool remediation in vulnerable areas. Additionally, it requires counties to coordinate with the department of environmental quality and provides that counties receiving such assistance do not need voter approval.

The bill also modifies existing language related to financial assistance agreements, clarifying that counties are bound to these agreements once funded and must cover the authority's costs in issuing bonds. It updates the terminology regarding the sources of repayment and includes new reporting requirements for the water infrastructure finance authority to track the financial assistance awarded for cesspool projects. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public health and environmental safety by facilitating the removal of legacy cesspools 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