Sec. 31202.

(1) Two or more municipalities, by resolution of their respective governing bodies, may establish a watershed alliance for the purpose of studying problems and planning and implementing activities designed to address surface water quality or water flow issues of mutual concern within the portion of a watershed located within their boundaries, including 1 or more of the following:

(a) Preparation of watershed management plans and other required documents as part of state or federal requirements to obtain water discharge permits or grant funding.

(b) Monitoring, sampling, and analyses of data necessary to manage the watershed, including, but not limited to, surface water quality, water quantity and flows, ecosystem health, recreational use, and the publication of results.

(c) Conducting public surveys, preparing and distributing informational and educational materials, and organizing activities involving the public.

(d) Designing and implementing projects and conducting activities to protect or enhance water quality and related beneficial uses, or manage flows to protect or reduce damage to riparian property and aquatic habitat.

(e) Designing and implementing other actions consistent with watershed management plans adopted by a watershed alliance, or required to protect public health, and maintain and restore beneficial public uses of the surface water resources of the watershed.

(2) A resolution under subsection (1) establishing a watershed alliance shall include bylaws that identify, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) The structure of the organization and decision-making process.

(b) The geographic boundaries of the watershed.

(c) The municipalities, counties, county agencies, public school districts, and other local or regional public agencies eligible for membership in the watershed alliance as provided under subsection (3).

(d) The basis for assessing costs to members.

(e) A mechanism to be used for adoption of an annual budget to support projects and activities.

(3) A watershed alliance shall provide an equitable basis for all municipalities, counties, and county agencies within the geographic boundaries of the watershed to voluntarily join as members. In addition, at its discretion, the watershed alliance may authorize the voluntary membership of any local public school district, public college or university, or any other local or regional public agency that has water management responsibilities. Following establishment of a watershed alliance under subsection (1), by resolution of its governing body, a municipality, county, county agency, public school district, public college or university, or other local or regional public agency established under state law with surface water management responsibility may voluntarily join a watershed alliance as provided for in this subsection.

History: Add. 2004, Act 517, Imd. Eff. Jan. 3, 2005 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA