1. Sales tax on Water
a. IRWA will work with the other water utility associations to promote legislation that would:
i. Eliminate the sales tax charged on water
ii. Impose a sales tax on bottled water
iii. Eliminate the statutory authority for water operating permit fees and construction permit fees
2. Government Accountability Requirements
a. IRWA will work with other public bodies to remove onerous reporting requirements for entities engaged in 28E agreements
b. IRWA will work with other public bodies to reduce the requirement for public notification via the newspaper of general circulation
3. Two Mile Limit
a. IRWA maintains that no legislative change is needed to ensure planned and orderly growth of cities
b. IRWA will oppose any efforts to expand the current two mile limit legislation
4. Water Resource Management
a. IRWA will monitor efforts to increase funding for water resource management
b. IRWA will work with the Iowa Water Center to convene a stakeholder group to discuss water quantity and quality issues related to ethanol and biodiesel production
5. Design/Build standards for public bodies
a. IRWA will monitor legislative proposals to allow for design/build construction in Iowa but allow other entities to take a leading role
6. Chapter 357A
a. IRWA will utilize an ad hoc committee to examine potential rewrites for Chapter 357A.
b. A key focus is the inconsistencies in the chapter with home rule versus Dillon’s rule.
c. No legislative proposal is anticipated in 2008.
7. Point of sale on septics and new subdivision wastewater plans
a. IRWA will indicate its support for legislation requiring this but not actively pursue.
b. IRWA will ensure that any legislation that creates authority for onsite installers to be certified as managers of those systems also includes licensing and training requirements.
8. Public drinking water wells and livestock facilities:
a. IRWA will monitor any legislation that may address livestock locations and manure management plans.
b. IRWA does not support making changes in the setback distances currently required for livestock operations and application of manure.
9. National Legislative Issues
a. IRWA supports the appropriations levels as recommended to the NRWA board of directors
i. USDA Circuit Rider: $14.7 million
ii. USDA Source Water: $5.775 million
iii. USDA Grant/Loans: $950 million
iv. EPA TA, WHP, SWP: $16.8 million
v. Water/Energy Circuit Rider: $6 million
vi. Transportation TA: $6 million
b. IRWA supports legislation to authorize the Water Bank.
c. IRWA supports the Craig amendment to provide additional research dollars and technical assistance for small community compliance with the SDWA.
d. IRWA will work to encourage greater participation from systems and communities at the Water Rally April 29-May 2.
