This bill amends W.S. 39-15-111(c) to authorize the award of preconstruction payments for industrial siting impact assistance, allowing for a prepayment of up to 20% of the total impact assistance payment to affected counties, cities, or towns. The prepayment must be distributed by the Department of Revenue within 45 days of the permit issuance and is contingent upon the applicant submitting a bond to the Department of Environmental Quality for the amount of the prepayment. The bill also establishes bonding requirements and specifies that the impact assistance payments will be based on evidence presented at public hearings, with the Industrial Siting Council determining the total dollar amount of the payments.

Additionally, the bill outlines the distribution of impact assistance payments to local governments and mandates that each recipient provide an annual report detailing the expenditure of these funds. The act applies to all impact assistance payments resulting from industrial facility permit applications submitted on or after its effective date of July 1, 2027. The legislation aims to enhance the financial support for local governments impacted by industrial construction projects while ensuring accountability through reporting requirements.

Statutes affected:
27LSO-0021 v0.4: 39-15-111