49-355

49-355. Small water systems fund

A. A small water systems fund is established in the department of environmental
quality. On designation of the director of environmental quality, the fund may be
administered by the water infrastructure finance authority of Arizona. The fund consists
of monies appropriated by the legislature. Monies in the fund are exempt from lapsing
under section 35-190. Interest earned on monies in the fund shall be credited to the
fund.

B. Monies from the small water systems fund shall be used to:

1. Develop public education and information programs for owners, operators and
customers of small water systems.

2. Provide advice and assistance in managerial, accounting, engineering and other
technical areas for owners and operators of small water systems.

3. Integrate and coordinate information databases among the government agencies
involved in regulating small water systems.

4. Develop other programs which would benefit the owners, operators and customers
of small water systems.

5. Provide emergency grants to interim operators or interim managers of small water
systems that are appointed by the Arizona corporation commission to repair water
infrastructure.

C. On recommendation of the Arizona corporation commission the water infrastructure
finance authority of Arizona may approve a grant to an interim operator or an interim
manager of a small water system pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 5 of this section
only if the operator or manager demonstrates that it requires immediate financial
assistance to make repairs to or to rehabilitate the public water system that is operated
by the interim operator or manager in order to correct or avoid an interruption in water
service.