Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA c. 68 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 68

REGIONAL WATER COUNCILS

§6801.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Regional water council.__"Regional water council" means a nonprofit corporation established for the benefit of 2 or more water utilities pursuant to this chapter.

§6802.__Regional water councils authorized

Two or more water utilities may organize a regional water council by forming a nonprofit corporation under Title 13-B, the membership of which is restricted to water utilities.

§6803.__Council organization

The organizational documents of a regional water council must provide for representation of each member.__The documents must specify the organizational structure, the method of withdrawal, the method of terminating the council and the grounds for suspension of member water utilities.

§6804.__Powers

1.__Powers.__In addition to having general powers of nonprofit corporations under Title 13-B, a regional water council may:

A.__Study an issue common to 2 or more of the members of the regional water council that it considers appropriate, including, but not limited to, matters affecting water supply, watershed protection, water use policies, regional economic conditions and future development;

B.__Promote cooperative arrangements and coordinate action among members of the regional water council; and

C.__Make recommendations for review and action to the members of the regional water council and other public agencies that perform functions within the region.