Amendment ID: S2016-5

Amendment 5

Water Infrastructure Advisory Commission

Mr. Timilty moves to amend the bill by adding at the end thereof the following new section:-

Section X.  Notwithstanding any special or general law to the contrary, there is established a Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, which shall serve as a forum for focusing on the Commonwealth’s water infrastructure systems. The council shall:

(1) consider the recommendations of the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission and evaluate opportunities for implementation of the same;

(2) make recommendations relative to the implementation of newly passed laws impacting water infrastructure;

(3) make recommendations to promote uniformity of water infrastructure policies;

(4) encourage the coordination of the state’s efforts to oversee investment in the Commonwealth’s water infrastructure;

(5) consider and make recommendations concerning any other water infrastructure matter deemed relevant by the council.

The Water Infrastructure Advisory Council shall consist of the following voting members: the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection or his designee, the Secretary of Executive Office of Administration and Finance or his designee, the Executive Director of the Clean Water Trust or his designee, the house and senate chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, a representative from each of the following nine types of organizations: a regional water authority, a water infrastructure industry organization, a municipal organization, a commercial real estate development organization, an environmental organization, a business organization, a tax policy organization, a construction industry organization and an engineering organization.  Each of the members shall be an expert or shall have experience in the field of law or public policy, water, wastewater or storm water planning, design and construction of water, wastewater or storm water projects, utility management, management consulting or organizational finance. The council shall elect a chairman, at the initial meeting of the committee, from its members who shall serve for a period co-terminus with the Governor. The chairman, or his/her designee, shall be responsible to organize each meeting, notify the members, formulate the agenda, provide a copy of the minutes following the meeting and such other duties as may be required.

The council shall only make recommendations or take actions by a majority vote of all members present and voting. The council may make recommendations as the council deems appropriate to the Governor, the General Court or any related state agencies. The council shall convene a meeting no less than two times per year.