HB 6417 Summary

• Increases strategic water quality initiatives grant program funding from $40,000,000 to $80,000,000 for eligible municipalities to complete loan applications for sewage treatment, storm water treatment, or nonpoint source projects.

• Grants cover up to 90% of application costs with a 10% local match requirement not eligible for other financing; municipalities cannot receive more than $1,000,000 total in grant assistance.

• Extends grant application deadline from 30 days to 60 days for department review and approval notifications; requires grant recipients to repay funds with interest up to 8% annually if they fail to submit loan applications within 3 years or decline loan assistance.

• Creates state water pollution control revolving fund advisory committee with representatives from engineering, waterworks, commerce, county, township, municipal, drain commissioner, infrastructure, and environmental organizations to evaluate program procedures and recommend amendments.

• Committee must submit recommendations by August 1, 2011, addressing cost-effectiveness reviews, application procedures, interest rate models, and alternative financing mechanisms; committee dissolves 6 months after submitting report.