HCS/HJR 14 - This resolution would place a constitutional amendment before the voters which, if approved, would revise the ability of the General Assembly to authorize general obligation bonds for water, sewer, stormwater and other environmental infrastructure projects.

RURAL WATER AND SEWER GRANTS AND LOANS - Existing bonding authority under Article III, Section 37(e) of the Missouri Constitution is amended to remove the language regarding the maximum authorized indebtedness for stormwater control. The current maximum appropriation limit for rural water and sewer projects, $25 million, is increased to $50 million. The resolution shall not increase the total amount of allowed indebtedness under this section above the amount currently authorized. Revenues from such bonds may no longer be used for planning or for program administration.

An additional $25 million of general obligation bond authority is provided for rural water and sewer grants and loans, including grants for the establishment of water supply hookups in unincorporated areas to water supply systems. The bonding authority is provided in a similar manner to the existing authority for water pollution and stormwater control bonds. The program will be administered by the Clean Water Commission within the Department of Natural Resources.

STORMWATER CONTROL - An additional $225 million of general obligation bond authority is provided for stormwater control projects in first class counties and St. Louis City in a similar manner to the existing authority for water pollution and stormwater control bonds. The program will be administered by the Clean Water Commission within the Department of Natural Resources. No more than $25 million may be appropriated per year from the bond sale proceeds. The resolution creates the Stormwater Revolving Fund. Grants may be provided from the fund, but shall not exceed $20 million in total and shall not exceed fifty percent of any project's cost.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE BANK - An additional $100 million of general obligation bond authority is provided to establish and operate an Environmental Infrastructure Bank, to be administered by the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority. The Environmental Infrastructure Bank shall use the funds to finance environmental infrastructre improvements by cities, counties, political subdivisions and other entities making such improvements. Allowable projects are limited to environmental projects related to traditional governmental responsibilities of municipalities and other political subdivisions and shall include environmental projects related to commercial or economic development. The funds shall be placed into the Environmental Infrastructure Bank Revolving Loan Fund.

This resolution is similar to SJR 11 from 1997.
OTTO FAJEN