Bill > HB2550

This bill establishes the Rural Watershed Sustainability Initiative Fund, which will be administered by the department (presumably the Department of Water Resources, though not explicitly stated in this excerpt) and funded through legislative appropriations, federal monies, and private grants. The fund's purpose is to provide grants to local watershed groups in rural areas to cover administrative and operational costs such as staff training, technology, salaries, and contracting fees for grant writers, with up to fifteen percent of the fund's monies allowed for administrative expenses. Eligibility for these grants is extended to any watershed group existing on the bill's effective date, with preference given to those with clear goals for water conservation and watershed health, and those located in areas with critically depleted groundwater. The department is required to adopt rules for grant applications, amounts, disbursement, and reporting, and must submit an annual report on the fund's activities to state officials and post it online. Additionally, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to this fund, recognizing that a lack of funding for rural watershed groups hinders efforts to promote water conservation and protect the state's water supplies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84345