The Legislature finds that in many areas of the state the condition or operation of privately owned water-wastewater utility systems and facilities create a present or potential threat to the environment or to the health of the utility customers. It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to establish a pilot program to assist local governments in acquiring privately owned water-wastewater utilities. It is the further intent of the Legislature that the Department of Environmental Protection evaluate and report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on this pilot program and on the need to expand the program to address the acquisition or consolidation of publicly owned water-wastewater utilities that threaten the environment or public health.

History.--s. 2, ch. 2001-229.