The bill amends and reenacts specific sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes related to the Water Sector Program, specifically R.S. 39:100.52 and R.S. 39:100.56. It introduces new provisions for the creation of two subfunds within the Water Sector Fund: the Phase II Subfund and the Emergency Subfund. The Phase II Subfund will be used exclusively for grant funding aimed at repairs, improvements, and consolidation of community water and sewer systems, while the Emergency Subfund will provide emergency grant funding for urgent issues related to these systems. The bill also removes an outdated reference to a previous transfer of funds and establishes new requirements for grant recipients, including the necessity of rate studies and matching funds.

Additionally, the bill outlines the authority and responsibilities of the Water Sector Commission and the division of administration in managing these funds. It mandates the development of guidance for the administration of the Water Sector Program, which will include application requirements, criteria for ratings, and procedures for adjusting grant awards. The bill emphasizes the need for prior approval from the Water Sector Commission and the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for expenditures from the funds, ensuring a structured approach to funding allocation and oversight.

Statutes affected:
SB64 Original: 39:52(A), 39:56(D)(1)
SB64 Engrossed: 39:52(A), 39:56(D)(1), 39:56(N)
SB64 Enrolled: 39:52(A), 39:56(D)(1)
SB64 Act 497: 39:52(A), 39:56(D)(1)