The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 473.1565, to enhance water supply planning and reporting requirements for the Metropolitan Council. It mandates the development and maintenance of a comprehensive base of technical information for water supply decisions, including analyses, water demand projections, and impact studies. The bill also revises the structure of the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Policy Advisory Committee, replacing the previous requirement for certain appointments to be made by the governor with a new provision that allows for appointments to be made by county administrators or managers. Additionally, it introduces a new Technical Advisory Committee to provide scientific and engineering expertise, and includes a provision for a designated Tribal representative.
Furthermore, the bill specifies that the advisory committee members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses, and it clarifies the terms of service for committee members, allowing them to continue serving until a successor is appointed. The reporting requirements to the legislature are also updated, ensuring that findings and recommendations from both the policy and technical advisory committees are included in the "Minnesota Water Plan." The effective date of the changes is set for the day following final enactment.
Statutes affected: Introduction: 473.1565