HB 4770 Summary

• Establishes the "Regional Water and Sewer Alliance Act" to create regional water and sewer alliances governed by 9-member boards appointed by mayors, city councils, the governor, and county executives.

• Grants alliances exclusive jurisdiction over regional water supply and sewerage systems serving more than 20% of the state's population, with powers to maintain, operate, construct, and improve facilities.

• Allows local units of government to retain ownership of municipal water distribution and sewage collection systems while transferring operational control to the alliance by January 1, 2018.

• Authorizes alliances to finance operations through rates, charges, special assessments, bonds (up to 50 years), grants, and contributions from local governments; prohibits alliances from levying taxes directly.

• Requires alliances to comply with the Public Service Commission for rate authorization, Freedom of Information Act for public records, and Open Meetings Act for board proceedings; exempts alliance property from state and local taxation.