2015 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 13 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food
Chapter 541 - Water Distributors; Water Releases; Conservation and Storage; Water Development Projects; Watershed Management and Enhancement
Section 541.576 - Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Investment Fund.

(1) The Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Investment Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Investment Fund shall be credited to the General Fund. Moneys in the Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Investment Fund are continuously appropriated to the Water Resources Department to award grants and to pay the cost of direct services provided under ORS 541.561.

(2) The Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Investment Fund shall consist of:

(a) Moneys appropriated to the fund by the Legislative Assembly;

(b) Any moneys that may be transferred to the fund by the federal government, a state agency or a local government; and

(c) Grant repayments, if any. [2008 c.13 §3]

Note: See note under 541.561.

Note: Section 12, chapter 812, Oregon Laws 2015, provides:

Sec. 12. (1) For the biennium beginning July 1, 2015, at the request of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, after the department consults with the Water Resources Department, the State Treasurer is authorized to issue lottery bonds pursuant to ORS 286A.560 to 286A.585 in an amount that produces $2 million in net proceeds and interest earnings for the purposes described in subsection (2) of this section, plus an additional amount estimated by the State Treasurer to be necessary to pay bond-related costs.

(2) Net proceeds of lottery bonds issued under this section in an amount sufficient to provide $2 million in net proceeds and interest earnings must be transferred to the Water Resources Department for deposit in the Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Investment Fund, established in ORS 541.576, to be used to pay the qualifying costs of planning studies performed to evaluate the feasibility of developing water conservation, reuse or storage projects.

(3) The Legislative Assembly finds that the use of lottery bond proceeds will create jobs, further economic development, finance public education or restore and protect parks, beaches, watersheds and native fish and wildlife, and is authorized based on the following findings:

(a) Having adequate drinking water systems, irrigation, drainage and healthy ecosystems enhances community development and supports Oregon’s economic growth.

(b) Assisting local governments to mitigate losses resulting from reduced water supply for irrigation and retirement of water rights will enhance community efforts to facilitate and promote economic growth.

[2015 c.812 §12]