Sec. 5. (a) The executive of a county may adopt an ordinance proposing the county for membership in an established watershed development commission even if less than ten percent (10%) of the surface of the designated watershed of the commission lies within the boundaries of the county.

     (b) An ordinance adopted under this section must do the following:

(1) Identify the existing commission in which the county seeks membership.

(2) Specify the area or areas of the county that are within the designated watershed of the existing commission.

(3) State the flood damage reduction, drainage, storm water management, recreation, or water infrastructure needs of the county that would be addressed through the county’s membership in the existing commission.

     (c) A county executive that adopts an ordinance under this section proposing the county for membership in an existing watershed development commission must submit to the natural resources commission:

(1) a copy of the ordinance; and

(2) a written request for the natural resources commission’s recognition of the county as a member of the existing commission.

     (d) If a county to which this section applies becomes a member of an existing commission, the county is subject to section 7(c) of this chapter.

As added by P.L.251-2023, SEC.13.