Oklahoma House Bill HB2313

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/20/23

Caption

Water and water rights; Oklahoma Water Resources Board; revolving fund; effective date; emergency.

Impact

By creating this revolving fund, HB2313 intends to streamline the process by which municipalities can apply for and receive grants for flood control measures. This reflects a proactive approach to managing water resources and addresses the increasing concerns about flooding and its impact on local infrastructure and economies. The involvement of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board as the managing body ensures that the funds are expended according to established protocols, which can contribute to more effective utilization of state resources.

Summary

House Bill 2313 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing water resource management in Oklahoma. The bill establishes the Oklahoma Water Resources Board Business Development Revolving Fund, which serves the purpose of providing financial support to municipalities for flood control projects associated with authorized economic development initiatives. This fund is designed to be a continuous source of revenue that is not restricted by fiscal year limitations, allowing for ongoing financial flexibility in funding important water-related projects.

Contention

While the bill's intentions may be viewed positively, there could be potential points of contention regarding the delegation of authority to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the criteria for grant allocations. Questions may arise about the transparency of the fund’s expenditures and whether municipalities are receiving equitable access to the financial resources. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the sufficiency of the fund in addressing the broader issues of water rights and resource management across the state.