AK HB362

Creates a 9-member Alaska Water and Sewer Task Force in the legislative branch to address safe water and sewer systems in rural areas, with members appointed by the bush caucus and legislature including legislators, a civil engineer, federal and state agency representatives, and rural residents.

Task force must submit findings and proposed legislation by December 1, 2012, and provide a report to the legislature by the first day of the 2013 regular legislative session addressing provision of safe and sustainable water and sewer systems to rural areas.

Directs task force to establish accurate estimates of homes without safe water and sewer systems, determine state needs and project prioritization methodology, explore appropriate technologies, research Arctic nation systems, and coordinate state and federal resources.

Task force members receive no compensation but may receive travel and per diem expenses; co-chairs are selected from legislative membership with one from each chamber.

Legislative findings note approximately 6,028 families lack safe potable water or sanitation systems despite the state earning $102 billion in oil revenue between 1977-2009; bill repeals July 1, 2013 and takes effect immediately.