WATERSHED ALLIANCES

Senate Bill 1432 as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Bruce Patterson

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs 

House Committee:  Land Use and Environment

Complete to 11-19-04

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1432 AS REPORTED FROM HOUSE COMMITTEE

The bill would add Part 312 (Watershed Alliances) to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow two or more municipalities to establish a watershed alliance for the purpose of studying problems and planning and implementing activities designed to address surface water quality or water flow issues of mutual concern.

[The members of the House Land Use and Environment Committee reported out the Senate-passed version of the bill, without amendments.]

A watershed alliance could prepare watershed management plans and other required documents as part of state or federal requirements to obtain water discharge permits or grant funding; monitor, sample, and analyze data necessary to manage the watershed; design and implement projects and conduct activities to protect or enhance water quality and related beneficial uses, or manage flows to protect or reduce damage to riparian property and aquatic habitat; and engage in other activities described in the bill.

The municipalities establishing a watershed alliance could do so by resolution of their respective governing bodies. A watershed alliance would have to provide an equitable basis for all municipalities, counties, and county agencies within the geographic boundaries of the watershed to join voluntarily as members. The watershed alliance also could authorize the voluntary membership of any local public school district, public college or university, or any other local or regional public agency that had water management responsibilities.

A watershed alliance could assess and collect fees from members with the approval of their governing bodies; enter into agreements with public or private entities to coordinate or implement actions; and allocate the use of public funds generated under other State law for use by the alliance. A watershed alliance would have no independent authority to assess or collect any fees or taxes directly from individuals or property owners.

MCL 324.31201-324.31205

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

            This bill would not have a fiscal impact on the state or on local governmental units.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.