2023 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 82. Waters and Water Rights
§82-1086.7. Oklahoma Flood and Drought Management Task Force.

A. The Oklahoma Flood and Drought Management Task Force is hereby established and shall be comprised of two groups, the management group and the advisory group.

B. 1. The management group shall be comprised of designees from the following state agencies:

• a.the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, which shall serve as the lead agency,
• b.the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security,
• c.the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry,
• d.the State Department of Health,
• e.the Department of Environmental Quality,
• f.the Oklahoma Conservation Commission,
• g.the Department of Wildlife Conservation,
• h.the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, and
• i.the Oklahoma Military Department.

2. The advisory group shall be comprised of designees of the following state associations and entities:

• a.Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma,
• b.Oklahoma Rural Water Association, and
• c.Oklahoma Municipal League.

The advisory group shall also include the resources of all remaining state agencies and departments available to provide advice and assistance to the Oklahoma Flood and Drought Management Task Force, including the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

C. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall formally coordinate with the following federal agencies:

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);

2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;

3. U.S. Forest Service;

4. The United States Geological Survey;

5. Bureau of Reclamation;

6. Farm Service Agency;

7. National Weather Service;

8. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;

9. U.S. Small Business Administration;

10. Bureau of Indian Affairs;

11. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;

12. United States Environmental Protection Agency; and

13. Any other federal agency available to provide advice and assistance.

D. The Oklahoma Flood and Drought Management Task Force shall have the following duties:

1. Developing and recommending state drought and flood response, recovery, and mitigation initiatives for conditions determined to be detrimental to the state economy and public health;

2. Identifying drought and flood management areas in the state;

3. Providing coordination and communication among federal, state, and local entities as deemed appropriate for drought and flood assistance programs, education, and information; and

4. Performing such other drought- and flood-related assessments and response functions as deemed necessary.

E. Beginning in 2025, and every ten (10) years thereafter, in conjunction with the update of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan and State Flood Plan, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall coordinate with the Oklahoma Flood and Drought Management Task Force to update the Oklahoma Drought Management Plan.

F. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall prepare an annual update of drought and flood conditions within the state and planning and mitigation activities being conducted by the Task Force and shall submit such report to the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate.

Added by Laws 2023, c. 268, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.