A. There is hereby created the "Oklahoma Water Conservation Grant Program".

B. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall solicit proposals for and make grants for the establishment of pilot programs which will implement water conservation projects or plans in communities in the state.

C. The goals and objectives of the grant program are to:

1. Increase the awareness of the public through education programs or public information campaigns regarding the value of our water resources and how water can be used more efficiently;

2. Provide assistance to communities or entities initiating water conservation plans, programs, and activities and to research and document the potential for improving water use efficiency through demonstration projects and other activities; and

3. Assist in the development of policies which will encourage the implementation of water conservation measures.

D. For purposes of this section, communities may include entire cities or towns, combined cities or towns, parts of cities or towns, or schools, groups or entities located within a community, or one or more rural water districts or portions of water districts.

E. Contingent upon the availability of funding, the Board may award grants each year in an amount not to exceed Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for each grant. The total amount of grants awarded each year shall not exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00).

F. The pilot projects shall be innovative programs that will serve as models for other communities in the state. Pilot projects may include, but are not limited to, community conservation demonstration projects, water use accounting programs, retrofit projects, school education projects, Xeriscape demonstration gardens, projects which promote efficiency, recycling and reuse of water, and information campaigns on capturing and using harvested rainwater and graywater.

G. The Board shall determine pilot project criteria and establish a process for the consideration of proposals. The proposals for pilot projects shall be considered on a statewide competitive basis. The Board shall promulgate rules for the operation of the projects.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 331, § 2, eff. July 1, 2008. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 274, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2012. Renumbered from § 1088.1 of this title by Laws 2012, c. 274, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2012.