Rainwater harvesting; appropriation
If enacted, HB 2644 will have significant implications for state law by establishing a structured funding model for rainwater harvesting initiatives. Specifically, it provides for two tiers of grants based on project complexity, with a cap of $2,000 for larger systems, thus encouraging both simple and sophisticated installations. The financial assistance aims to alleviate the costs associated with setting up these systems, promoting broader adoption of rainwater collection practices. Furthermore, it could help to improve local water reliability and reduce the state's overall water consumption, contributing to long-term sustainability.
House Bill 2644 is a legislative proposal aimed at promoting rainwater harvesting in Arizona through the establishment of a dedicated grant program. This bill amends existing statutes within Title 49 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to facilitate the implementation and funding of rainwater collection and conservation systems. The bill emphasizes voluntary participation in programs designed to enhance water efficiency, reliability, and conservation efforts across the state. The proposed rainwater harvesting program would allow for the disbursement of grant funds to eligible entities and non-governmental organizations that focus on environmental protection and water conservation initiatives.
Notably, the bill outlines exclusions of certain costs that grants will not cover, which may lead to concerns among potential applicants about the comprehensive funding of their projects. Additionally, by requiring applicants to comply with existing zoning and permitting regulations, the bill seeks to ensure that installations adhere to local statutes, though this may also introduce bureaucratic hurdles at the local level. Some stakeholders may argue that these provisions could limit participation or add unnecessary complexity for smaller entities looking to engage in rainwater conservation efforts.