The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) to provide financial assistance specifically for the remediation, replacement, or closure of cesspools that threaten water sources and public health. This addition expands WIFA's responsibilities beyond financing traditional water infrastructure projects. The bill would also direct WIFA to utilize funds from the Clean Water Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water Revolving Fund for these new purposes, thereby broadening the scope of authorized fund usage.

Furthermore, the bill would require counties receiving assistance to prioritize projects in areas with known groundwater vulnerabilities or low-to-moderate income communities, and it would permit counties to establish income-based eligibility criteria for owner-occupied properties while prohibiting means testing for abandoned properties. It clarifies that counties do not need voter approval to accept this financial assistance, streamlining the process for addressing cesspool issues. Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding loan repayment agreements and mandates an annual report on the financial assistance awarded for cesspool remediation, enhancing public health protections and facilitating access to necessary funding for wastewater management projects.

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