HB 3121
Directs the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to distribute moneys to the Oregon Association of Water Utilities to provide technical assistance, or enter into a contract with a third party to provide technical assistance, to address the needs and vulnerabilities of small and very small community water systems, construct and equip a water utility training center and employ three staff to provide related support and resources.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
90%
Oppose
10%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to support small and very small community water systems. It will do this by contracting with the Oregon Association of Water Utilities to provide technical assistance, construct a water utility training center, and employ three staff. The bill also appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to cover these activities.
Key provisions
- Contracts with the Oregon Association of Water Utilities for technical assistance.
- Construction and equipping of a water utility training center.
- Employment of three staff to provide support to water systems.
- Provision of technical, financial, and managerial support to water system personnel.
- Focus on areas such as water supply reliability, water quality, and emergency preparedness.
- Support for applying for and managing state and federal funding.
- Assessment of opportunities for system consolidation and regionalization.
- Addressing regulations and safe drinking water standards.
Who is affected
- Small and very small community water systems
- Oregon Department of Administrative Services
- Oregon Association of Water Utilities
- Water utility personnel
- State residents relying on community water systems
Notable changes
- The bill establishes a dedicated funding stream ($2.5 million) for water system support.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3121 emphasize the importance of providing critical resources to small community water systems in Oregon. They highlight the urgent need for funding to address aging infrastructure, replacement costs, and growing demand, citing examples such as Trollers Cove Water Association's successful transition to a new system with OAWU's assistance. Industry advocates like the Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) provide valuable expertise and services, including training opportunities and technical assistance, which are crucial for maintaining certifications and staying educated in effective methods and materials. The bill is seen as essential for enabling small water systems to maintain clean, sustainable, and affordable water for their communities, addressing a critical workforce shortage and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Oregon's water infrastructure.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concerns that the proposed allocation of $2,500,000 to support small community water systems may not be the most effective use of taxpayer dollars. They argue that private organizations, such as OAWU, can provide similar technical services at a lower cost and with greater efficiency, rendering the need for government-provided services unnecessary. Furthermore, critics point out that the allocation process lacks competitive bidding, which they believe undermines the integrity of the funding process and may result in suboptimal use of resources.