An Act to Establish the Alamoosook Lake Watershed Management District
Sponsored By: Nina Milliken (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Alamoosook waterfront owners face new assessments
Orland pays 50% of district costs and reserves through property taxes when town voters approve; waterfront owners pay the rest. Any town share not funded is added to waterfront owners' bills. Owner assessments use shoreline frontage recorded for property taxes, capped at 300 feet per lot or parcel. Late bills can carry board-set interest under state law, and unpaid assessments can lead to property liens. The town's approved payment is due before August 1 each year. During initial funding, district requests cover only amounts above what Orland had already set aside when the district formed. The board must hold public budget hearings, maintain capital reserves, and finalize its budget by January 15 for town submission by February 1. Budgets below $100,000 need majority board approval, including one town appointee and one owner-elected trustee; budgets at or above that amount need two-thirds approval. The $100,000 threshold adjusts annually for inflation.
Local district manages Alamoosook Lake dam
The law establishes a local district to own, operate, inspect, and repair the Alamoosook Lake dam. It manages water levels and flows and can support fish passage, boat inspections, water quality checks, and invasive species monitoring. The law takes immediate effect only for Orland officials to prepare the first-year budget and proposed town contribution. Full effect requires a majority of Orland voters voting to approve both the district and its first-year funding. The referendum must occur after June 1, 2025, within two years of the law's initial effective date; failed votes can be repeated within that window.
Lake district gains funding and tax relief
The district can seek grants, loans, and other funding on the same terms as a municipality. It can also receive state agency help available to watershed districts, accept gifts, and borrow money. Its property, rights, and franchises within Orland are exempt from property tax. The law guarantees no grant amount and specifies no resulting change in household taxes.
Orland and waterfront owners share control
Orland appoints three district trustees, and waterfront owners elect two; each waterfront property gets one vote per open owner-elected seat. Owner candidates need nomination by a lake association representing at least 20% of waterfront properties; without one, board nomination rules apply. After staggered first terms, trustees serve three years. Most decisions need a board majority, including support from at least one town appointee and one owner-elected trustee. Orland can withdraw by majority town vote with board approval; failing to fund its contribution for two consecutive years also counts as withdrawal. Withdrawal changes the board to one town appointee and four owner-elected trustees, reducing the town's voice while increasing owners' control. Dissolution requires disposal of all district assets, settlement of liabilities, and a majority trustee vote.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Nina Milliken
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
David Haggan
Republican • Senate
Matt Moonen
Democratic • House
Nicole C. Grohoski
Democratic • Senate
Steven Bishop
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPS Chapter 10
6/18/2025This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/13/2025HousePASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
6/13/2025SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-670) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-670), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/13/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-670).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/12/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES in concurrence
2/11/2025SenateCommittee on Environment and Natural Resources suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/11/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-670), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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