HB1614
To Establish The Water And Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program; To Transfer Funding From The Securities Reserve Fund; And To Declare An Emergency.
Last Action (March 13, 2023): Recommended for study in the Interim by Joint Interim Committee on STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS- HOUSE
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1614 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program to be administered by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. The bill creates a special revenue fund known as the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program Fund to provide matching grants for 'shovel-ready' infrastructure and improvement projects. To fund this initiative, the legislation authorizes an annual transfer of up to $50 million from the state's Securities Reserve Fund to the new grant program fund. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission is tasked with developing eligibility criteria, application processes, and rules for grant distribution. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, citing the necessity of addressing water and sewer systems in disrepair to protect public health and safety. The bill becomes effective immediately upon executive approval or the override of a veto.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include local water and sewer utility providers, municipalities, and public water districts that operate aging or deficient water and sewer infrastructure. Furthermore, the citizens of Arkansas benefit through improved access to clean water and reliable sewer systems, which supports long-term public health and environmental safety.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary impact is on the state budget and the Securities Reserve Fund, which will have up to $50 million diverted from its existing balance annually to support this new grant program. While this is a redirection of existing state resources rather than a tax increase, it reduces the availability of funds that were previously designated for the Securities Reserve Fund, potentially affecting the state's broader fiscal flexibility or the ability to address other budgetary priorities.
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