HCS HB 591 -- STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND WATER POLLUTION BONDS

SPONSOR:  Johnson, 47

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government by a vote of 15 to 0.

This substitute authorizes Boone County to adopt ordinances that
are necessary to comply with federal storm water regulations.
Counties may also establish storm water control utilities with
authority to impose user fees for administration and, if approved
by voters, utility taxes to fund public storm water control
projects.

In addition to amounts authorized prior to August 28, 2004, the
substitute authorizes the Board of Fund Commissioners to issue
bonds for grants and loans pursuant to several sections of
Article III of the Missouri Constitution.  The authorizations are
for:

(1)  $10 million of bonds for waste water pollution control,
drinking water system improvements, and storm water control
pursuant to Section 37(e);

(2)  $10 million of bonds for rural water and sewer projects
pursuant to Section 37(g); and

(3)  $20 million of bonds for storm water control plans, studies,
and projects in first classification counties and the City of St.
Louis pursuant to Section 37(h).

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the federal government requires
them to deal with problems of storm water control.  Boone County
needs funds to comply with federal law.  A voter-approved license
tax is a good way to raise funds for compliance.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Hobbs; and Boone
County.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am