HB1517 Bill Summary

• Creates the "Regional Water Cooperation Act" by establishing five Water Cooperation Boards within the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with boundaries based on county lines and commonality of water infrastructure interests.

• Directs Water Cooperation Boards to advise the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on proposed infrastructure projects and local water supply needs through at least annual public stakeholder meetings.

• Requires the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to publish notice of public stakeholder meetings on its website and in newspapers of general circulation (at least 3 times locally and 2 times statewide) and comply with the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act.

• Authorizes the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to assist and develop infrastructure projects using loan and grant funding within each of the five districts while maintaining statewide authority to ensure projects do not negatively impact other districts.

• Effective July 1, 2013, with an emergency clause allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.