House Bill No. 2789 appropriates a total of $9,925,661.48 to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board from the Statewide Recovery Fund to address increased project costs and complete projects that did not receive funding in previous grant programs. The funds are to be utilized in accordance with recommendations from the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding, adopted on May 12, 2025. The bill establishes a Statewide Recovery Special Account for the Board, which will remain active as long as funds related to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are being managed, and outlines the process for the Board to request deposits or transfers of appropriated funds.

Additionally, the bill allows the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to enter into memorandums of understanding with other state agencies for the management of these funds, while ensuring that control over the appropriated funds remains with the Board. It also authorizes the Board to retain up to 4% of the appropriated funds for administrative costs, provided these costs comply with federal regulations. The Board is required to submit quarterly reports on the budgeting and expenditure of the funds and to appear before the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding for updates on implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate enforcement upon passage.