SB 348

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Establishes the task force on wastewater infrastructure investment and service to underserved areas (task force). Provides that the task force consists of the following 18 members: (1) Six members of the senate, with the president pro tempore appointing four members (one of whom serves as co-chair of the task force), and the minority leader appointing two members. (2) Six members of the house of representatives, with the speaker appointing four members (one of whom serves as co-chair of the task force), and the minority leader appointing two members. (3) Six gubernatorial appointees, including the following: (A) One officer or employee of the state. (B) One member representing operators of wastewater management systems. (C) One engineer, or another professional, with expertise in wastewater management systems. (D) One member representing ratepayers. (E) One member representing municipalities served by a wastewater operator not under the jurisdiction of the utility regulatory commission. (F) One member of the general public. Sets forth the duties of the task force. Requires the task force to develop a long term plan for addressing wastewater needs in Indiana. Requires the task force to issue a report setting forth its recommendations to: (1) the executive director of the legislative services agency for distribution to members of the general assembly; and (2) the governor; not later than December 1, 2021. Provides that the bill's provisions concerning the task force expire January 1, 2022. Establishes the water infrastructure grant program (program) to be administered by the Indiana finance authority (authority). Establishes the water infrastructure grant fund (fund) as a source of money for grants, loans, and other financial assistance to, or for the benefit of, participants in the program. Sets forth purposes for which money in the fund may be used, including the planning, designing, acquisition, construction, renovation, improvement, or expansion of: (1) water systems; and (2) wastewater or storm water collection and treatment systems. Requires the authority to adopt guidelines to establish criteria for the making of grants, loans, and other financial assistance from the fund. Sets forth certain conditions that apply to the making of grants, the making of loans, and the providing of other financial assistance from the fund. Requires the authority to establish a project prioritization system for the purposes of awarding loans and grants from the fund. Sets forth certain variables that the project prioritization system must include. Provides that the authority may provide advisory services and other services to a participant in connection with a grant, a loan, or other financial assistance from the fund. Requires the public finance director to submit to the budget committee and the legislative council, in each odd-numbered year through 2023, a report concerning grants, loans, or other financial assistance made available to participants from the fund.