Bill > HB368

This bill establishes a new Town of Colstrip Water Infrastructure Mitigation Account within Montana's state special revenue fund to help ensure a stable water supply for the town of Colstrip, which is located near coal-fired generating units. Specifically, the bill requires $2 million annually from coal severance tax collections to be deposited into this account, which can be used to pay for water supply costs if the nearby coal-fired generating unit closes or retires and the town becomes unable to access water. The department overseeing the account is mandated to review the funding level every 10 years and report its findings to the economic affairs interim committee to confirm that the account maintains sufficient resources to meet its intended purpose. This legislation appears designed to provide financial protection and water security for Colstrip, a community that could be economically vulnerable if its proximate power generation facilities were to shut down, by creating a dedicated fund to address potential water infrastructure challenges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3242