Legislation proposing expansions of project eligibility for Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) projects has cleared its first hurdle in the House, reporting of the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 21-0.
SB 1404 (Lewis) proposes two changes to SLAF. First, the bill authorizes SLAF awards for projects related to Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily load (TMDL) requirements to consider total phosphorus reductions or total nitrogen reductions. Second, the bill authorizes grants awarded for eligible projects in localities with high or above average fiscal stress (as reported by the Commission on Local Government) to account for more than 50 percent of the costs of a project. This cost-share change emulates what is already done with the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF).
SB 1404 previously passed in the Senate by a unanimous vote. The legislation will now be heard and voted on by the full House of Delegates sometime next week.
VACo Contact: Chris McDonald, Esq.