Arizona House Bill HB2074

Arizona 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24

Caption

Wildfire flooding mitigation fund; appropriation

Impact

The appropriate sum of $35 million is allocated from the long-term water augmentation fund for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to support the initiatives under this fund. The legislation not only delineates how these funds are to be administered but also sets specific eligibility criteria for the municipalities applying for these grants. This structured approach aims to ensure that the funds are utilized effectively for stormwater flood mitigation, wastewater treatment, and wildfire suppression projects, highlighting a state-level recognition of the growing threats posed by climate change-related disasters.

Summary

House Bill 2074 establishes the Wildfire Flooding Mitigation Grant Fund, designed to allocate financial resources for communities in Arizona to manage and mitigate the effects of flooding that occur as a result of wildfires. The bill amends Title 26 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically targeting emergency and military affairs. It aims to provide much-needed support to cities and towns with populations under 200,000, allowing them to access grants to enhance their infrastructure and preparedness in dealing with postfire flooding.

Contention

Some points of contention around HB 2074 may arise from debates over the fiscal responsibility associated with the appropriation of $35 million and the matching fund requirement that necessitates local governments to secure their own funding for projects. Critics may argue that relying on local funding sources could prove challenging for smaller municipalities, especially those who may not have robust financial reserves. Additionally, the exemption of grant awards from certain state regulations could lead to discussions about the accountability and monitoring of expenditures made with these funds.