Comprehesive reform of the state’s water infrastructure systems.
What changed between versions
Created the 'Struggling Utilities Improvement Pilot Program' with a dedicated 'Struggling Utilities Support Team' to provide direct assistance to utilities facing financial or operational challenges.
Established the 'Early Intervention Pilot Program' to help six to ten utilities address critical issues before they are placed on a distressed utilities watch list.
Added eligibility for private utilities to receive low-interest loans from the Water Development Authority, provided they assume responsibility for a failing public utility and meet specific financial standards.
Added new definitions for 'Private utility' and 'Private water development project' to clarify their role in state infrastructure financing.
Removed references to the 'Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council' and 'Water Development Authority Board' in favor of the new 'Water Development and Infrastructure Council' and updated board composition.
Mandated annual reporting and initial/renewed training for municipal governing bodies and county commissions overseeing water and wastewater utilities.
Authorized utilities to enter into 'Regional Cooperative Agreements' to share resources, personnel, and facilities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Introduced an inflation-based rate adjustment mechanism ('Public Utility Stability Act') allowing publicly owned utilities to adjust rates annually based on the Department of Labor's Water and Sewerage Maintenance Index without prior commission approval.
Updated the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council's guidelines to include stricter criteria for funding projects involving substantial noncompliance or audit failures.
Set specific sunset dates for pilot programs (e.g., Early Intervention Program ends December 31, 2031; Struggling Utilities Program ends July 1, 2031).
