Bill > SB461

This bill renames the Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund to the Maryland Water Quality Improvement Revolving Loan Fund and expands its capabilities and focus. The bill introduces detailed definitions for "overburdened communities" and "underserved communities" based on environmental health indicators, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic factors. It broadens the fund's purpose to support projects involving decentralized wastewater systems, stormwater management infrastructure, floodwaters, floodplains, streams, tributaries, and wetlands, as well as technical assistance for such projects. When creating an intended use plan, the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration must now prioritize technical assistance for overburdened communities disproportionately impacted by environmental harm and use a specific scoring system that evaluates funding applications. This scoring system will prioritize underserved communities facing economic distress, high environmental burdens, and insufficient infrastructure, and will also review previously denied applications that align with state goals related to climate change, flood mitigation, and water quality. The bill aims to ensure more equitable and comprehensive water quality improvement efforts across Maryland, with a particular focus on historically marginalized and environmentally vulnerable communities. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0461?ys=2025RS