Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 785 - Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Chapter 1 - Organization and Procedure of Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Subchapter 13 - Drought Responses
Section 785:1-13-2 - Responses to drought
Current through Vol. 42, No. 1, September 16, 2024
When the Governor declares, through proclamation, declaration, executive order or otherwise, that a drought emergency or disaster exists, the Board may respond to the drought condition, including but not limited to the following ways:
(1) Expedite the processing of applications for financial assistance for water resource projects that are intended to relieve drought conditions and specifically waive particular rules as necessary;
(2) Expedite the processing of applications for permits to use water;
(3) Coordinate with other state and federal agencies, including but not limited to the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management, to gather and disseminate information related to raw and treated water availability and drought conditions;
(4) Establish a Drought Relief Grant Account of the Water Resources Fund and direct funds received from state and federal agencies for drought relief into that account; and
(5) Utilize emergency drought funding from federal agencies and other sources for projects to relieve drought conditions. Except as specified below, applications for such funding may be submitted by eligible entities as defined by law, including but not limited to counties, municipalities and rural water districts. Applicants for drought relief funding shall provide at least fifteen percent (15%) match funding. Additional consideration shall be given to projects that will benefit the most people for the least amount of funds. Priorities will be given for project purposes in the following order:
Added at 16 Ok Reg 409, eff 10-22-98 (emergency); Added at 16 Ok Reg 2679, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 17 Ok Reg 2751, eff 7-1-00