Section 85-1-704 - Prioritization of water storage projects - governor's report(1) The governor shall submit to the legislature a report in accordance with 5-11-210 identifying specific water storage projects proposed for development, including the rehabilitation of existing projects and new project proposals. The report must contain: (a) a list of water storage project priorities;(b) an implementation strategy for each priority project that identifies the resources (including specific budget requests), government actions, and other actions needed to accomplish the project; and(c) a progress report on the development of water storage projects during the previous 2 years.(2) In setting priorities among new water storage projects, the governor shall consider whether a project: (a) solves a severe water problem;(b) provides multiple uses and benefits;(c) provides for public uses;(d) shows strong evidence of broad citizen support;(e) is able to obtain nonstate sources of funding;(f) protects and seeks to enhance social, ecological, cultural, and aesthetic values;(g) improves local and state economic development;(h) could resolve Indian and federal reserved water rights issues;(i) supports water conservation activities; and(j) promotes the use of water reserved under Montana law.(3) In setting priorities among water storage rehabilitation projects, the governor shall consider whether the project: (a) is needed to protect public safety;(b) has impacts if not repaired or rehabilitated; and(c) accomplishes the goals listed in subsections (2)(a) through (2)(j).(4) In establishing budget priorities for the allocation of state water storage development funds: (a) first preference must be given to projects that resolve threats to life and property posed by high-hazard facilities that are in an unsafe condition;(b) second preference must be given to projects that improve or expand existing water storage facilities; and(c) third preference must be given to the planning and construction of new water storage facilities.Amended by Laws 2021, Ch. 261,Sec. 117, eff. 4/20/2021.En. Sec. 4, Ch. 659, L. 1991.