rural water sustainability fund; appropriation

HB 2776 creates a $500,000 state fund to provide grants to rural watershed groups for operational costs like staff training, software, salaries, and event hosting. It prioritizes groups in high-risk groundwater areas with clear water conservation goals. The Department of Water Resources will administer the fund, using up to 15% of funds for operations, and must report annually to state leaders starting in 2026. The bill directly supports local rural organizations working on water sustainability without requiring new taxes or regulations.