Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 13. UTILITY SERVICES

Part 45. Local Water Quality Districts

Powers And Duties Of Board Of Directors

7-13-4517. Powers and duties of board of directors. The board of directors of a local water quality district, with the approval of the commissioners, may:

(1) develop a local water quality program, to be submitted to the department, for the protection, preservation, and improvement of the quality of surface water and ground water in the district. In developing the program, the board of directors shall consult with the board or boards of supervisors of conservation districts, established as provided in 76-15-201, whose geographical area of jurisdiction is included within the boundaries of the local water quality district.

(2) implement a local water quality program;

(3) administer the budget of the local water quality district;

(4) employ personnel;

(5) purchase, rent, or lease equipment and material necessary to develop and implement an effective program;

(6) cooperate or contract with any corporation, association, individual, or group of individuals, including any agency of the federal, state, or local government, in order to develop and implement an effective program;

(7) receive gifts, grants, or donations for the purpose of advancing the program and acquire, by gift, deed, or purchase, land necessary to implement the local water quality program;

(8) administer local ordinances that are adopted by the commissioners and governing bodies of the participating cities and towns and that pertain to the protection, preservation, and improvement of the quality of surface water and ground water;

(9) apply for and receive from the federal government or the state government, on behalf of the local water quality district, money to aid the local water quality program;

(10) borrow money for assistance in planning or refinancing a local water quality district and repay loans with the money received from the established fees; and

(11) construct facilities that cost not more than $5,000 and maintain facilities necessary to accomplish the purposes of the district, including but not limited to facilities for removal of water-borne contaminants; water quality improvement; sanitary sewage collection, disposal, and treatment; and storm water or surface water drainage collection, disposal, and treatment.

History: En. Sec. 13, Ch. 357, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 29, Ch. 418, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 324, L. 2021.