Water Resources Board; making appropriations; source; purpose; accounts; deposits of transfers; procedures; effective date; emergency.

More funding for Oklahoma water projects

The law provides Oklahoma’s Water Resources Board with two appropriations from the Statewide Recovery Fund. Up to $3.3 million covers higher costs for the project funded under Section 7 of Enrolled Senate Bill 13. Up to $6.62566148 million helps complete projects that missed grants under Sections 2 and 3 of that bill. Both appropriations must follow the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding’s May 12, 2025, recommendations. The Board can retain no more than 4% for administration and programming costs allowed under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Separate accounts hold each appropriation, without fiscal-year limits, until the State Treasurer determines the state’s management of related recovery funds has ended. The accounts then close. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services must complete requested deposits or transfers within seven calendar days and confirm completion. Payments require legally filed claims, office approval, and State Treasurer warrants. The Board can arrange agency support, set rules and procedures, and contract with financial institutions to handle grants. Agency agreements cannot transfer the funded agency’s control over budgeting, spending, allocation, or distribution. Rules cannot conflict with or obstruct the law, and financial arrangements must follow federal and state rules and Board policies. The Board must send quarterly financial reports and copies of implementation agreements and contracts to designated legislative committees. It must appear before the pandemic relief committee within six months of the effective date and answer further requests. Reporting continues while funds are managed; the Treasurer determines its end and notifies the Governor and legislative leaders. The act lists July 1, 2025, as its effective date but also includes an emergency clause making it effective upon passage and approval.