1. (a) The authority shall hold an annual meeting with the officers and employees of the utilities located in each study area created under section 5 of this chapter to:

   1. (1) set expectations for the utilities' activities under this section;
   2. (2) provide training; and

   3. (3) conduct communications;

      as the authority considers appropriate.

2. (b) In addition to attending the annual meetings held under subsection (a), the utilities in each study area may meet voluntarily on a periodic basis as they consider appropriate.

3. (c) In the meetings held under subsections (a) and (b), the utilities of a study area shall determine the water and wastewater priorities of the study area, establish future meeting agendas, and consider other matters related to the function of the study area, including the following:

   1. (1) Promoting cooperation among the utilities located in the study area.
   2. (2) Promoting mutual assistance among utilities located in the study area.
   3. (3) Facilitating needed investment in the water and wastewater infrastructure of utilities in the study area.
   4. (4) Protecting public health.
   5. (5) The prudent management of water resources.
   6. (6) Projecting the water demand and water needs of the study area for a planning horizon of at least twenty-five (25) years.

4. (d) Not later than:

   1. (1) March 1, 2021; and

   2. (2) March 1 of each odd-numbered year after 2021;

      the utilities of each study area shall file a report with the authority on a form provided by the authority summarizing the activities undertaken by the utilities of the study area concerning the matters set forth in subsection (c).

5. (e) Not later than:

   1. (1) November 1, 2021; and

   2. (2) November 1 of each odd-numbered year after 2021;

      the authority shall compile a report summarizing the activities undertaken by the utilities of all study areas concerning the matters set forth in subsection (c).

6. (f) A utility may participate in activities undertaken under this section in more than one (1) study area.

As added by P.L.15-2019, SEC.3.