H.B. 609 Summary

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources designated as principal State agency to cooperate with local governments, Army Corps of Engineers, and federal agencies in planning and developing water supply sources and storage projects.

• Clean Water Management Trust Fund expanded to allow funding for preserving lands that could be used for water supply reservoirs, in addition to existing water quality and riparian buffer purposes.

• State-local cooperation framework established enabling Department to assist local governments with water supply alternatives analysis, cost estimates, permit applications, and co-applicant status for federal approvals when specified conditions are met.

• Regional water supply planning organizations authorized to identify water sources, coordinate regional supply and demand, and facilitate water purchases between systems.

• Local water supply plans required to include long-term per capita potable water demand reduction strategies and water conservation education programs as prerequisite for State water infrastructure funding.