Senate Bill 2269 Summary

• Creates authorization for a nonfederal state Red River valley water supply project separate from any federal project, to be studied, planned, developed, and constructed by the Lake Agassiz water authority and Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

• Expands Lake Agassiz water authority membership to include water districts and other water distribution systems west of state highway 1, Minnesota cities, Canadian governmental entities, and any other county or city upon board application approval.

• Grants the authority broad powers to borrow money, issue revenue bonds, enter water purchase and resale contracts, establish tiered rate structures based on project need and state funding levels, and contract with the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District for bulk water supply.

• Declares the legislative assembly's intent to provide state funding for a share of nonfederal or local construction costs, with appropriated funds authorized to carry over to future bienniums and funding available concurrently or separately from federal and local funding.

• Modifies board composition to add representatives from water districts and cities west of state highway 1, and requires that after July 1, 2017, board candidates must have a development agreement, water supply contract, or project participation agreement with the authority or Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.