HB 4497 Summary

• Establishes the "Regional Water and Sewer Alliance Act" to create regional water and sewer alliances governed by a 9-member board of directors with members 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 authority to construct, maintain, operate, and finance these systems.

• Allows alliances to exercise eminent domain, issue bonds (up to 50-year terms), levy special assessments, and contract with municipalities and other entities for water and sewer services.

• Requires local units of government to retain ownership of municipal water distribution and sewage collection systems but permits transfer of administration and control to the alliance; existing systems must transition to alliance control by January 1, 2018.

• Exempts alliances from state and local taxes, requires compliance with open meetings and freedom of information laws, and makes the act effective 90 days after enactment only if HB 4498 is also enacted.