One of the 13 bills signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Mary Fallin does away with the 39-year old Oklahoma Scenic Rives Commission and consolidates it with the Grand River Dam Authority.
Under SB 1383, the responsibilities of the Commission will be assumed by the GRDA effective July 1, 201.
“Effective July 1, 2016, the rights and authorities of the Scenic Rivers Commission shall be transferred to the Grand River Dam Authority,” stated the bill sign by Gov. Fallin. “All assets, funds, liabilities, allotments, purchase orders, outstanding financial obligations, encumbrances, records, equipment and property of the Scenic Rivers Commission are hereby transferred to and placed under the supervision and control of the Grand River Dam Authority.”
The new law also means employees of the Scenic Rivers Commission will be transferred to the GRDA. Under the new law, the GRDA will be allowed to create an advisory board concerning the management of property and area previously under the authority of the Scenic Rivers Commission.
Ed Fite has been Director of the Commission for 33 years. One other change in the law applies to required pollution reports from the Secretary of Environment. They will no longer be required.
