State would fund repairs, planning, and emergency aid for local water systems

The program would provide payments toward repairing or replacing local water, storm water, and sewer systems. The program covers existing municipal drinking water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems. The program is subject to an appropriation and state rules. Covered systems must be under the maintenance or operating control of a county, city, town, village, or public authority, not a private entity. The program would start April 1 of the year after this section takes effect.

The program would offer municipalities grants for initial planning of eligible water quality projects. Grants would help municipalities plan eligible Clean Water State Revolving Fund water quality projects. The program is subject to an appropriation. Grant money may cover engineering reports and environmental review, but not design or construction. Priority goes to plans required by certain state orders or permits, or plans addressing wastewater upgrades, failing septic systems, or watershed pollution. The grants would be offered through the program, which would start April 1 of the year after this section takes effect.

The state would set aside $5 million for emergency municipal water infrastructure grants. The money would support municipal drinking water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure projects. Projects must pose an imminent threat to the environment or public health. Payments would be made through the comptroller on vouchers certified or approved by the environmental conservation department. The appropriation is described as immediately available; the act would take effect 120 days after it becomes law.