making an appropriation to the department of environmental services for wastewater infrastructure projects.

HB 97 appropriates $15 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Services. This funding supports approved wastewater infrastructure projects under state law, directly benefiting local wastewater systems and communities requiring upgrades. The money is nonlapsing, meaning unused funds carry over to future years, and must be used for projects approved by June 30, 2026. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with no new state positions created.