OK HB2914

Establishes the "Regional Water Planning Act" and divides Oklahoma into nine regional water planning councils to develop regional water plans addressing local water resource needs and issues.

Each council consists of 15 appointed members representing diverse water interests (recreation, irrigation, municipal, rural, agricultural, industrial), with appointments made by the Governor, legislative leaders, county commissioners, conservation districts, and special-purpose water districts.

Councils must complete three phases of planning over ten years: Phase 1 (prioritization of projects and programs within two years), Phase 2 (implementation of identified projects within eight years), and Phase 3 (comprehensive 50-year regional water plan within ten years).

Regional water plans must address orderly water resource development, identify available water sources, enhance economic development, consider project types such as water quality improvement and conservation education, and establish drought response strategies.

Funding for council operations is to be divided equally among the nine councils upon legislative appropriation, with additional competitive grants available for Phase 2 implementation projects; effective date is July 1, 2012, with emergency clause.