HJR286 Summary

• Expresses legislative support for Governor Bentley's April 18, 2012, directive to the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group to develop a statewide water management plan with recommendations due by December 1, 2013.

• Declares the Legislature's readiness to consider and take up recommendations for legislation necessary to implement a statewide water management plan once presented.

• Requests the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group to provide funding estimates needed to accomplish tasks specified in the Governor's directive, including costs for gathering data on surface water, groundwater, and instream flows/ecosystems.

• Directs the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group to work with all stakeholders and agencies to establish a common understanding of the state's stewardship role in water resource planning and management.

• References existing state authority under the Alabama Water Resources Act (Section 9-10B-2, Code of Alabama 1975) to plan and manage water withdrawal and use for public health, safety, economic growth, drought mitigation, and environmental protection.