§ 4-2-8.7. Invasive Species Mitigation Account created. (Effective 5/13/2014)

(1) As used in this section, "project" means an undertaking that:

(a) rehabilitates or treats an area infested with, or threatened by, an invasive species; or

(b) conducts research related to invasive species.

(2)

(a) There is created a restricted account within the General Fund known as the "Invasive Species Mitigation Account."

(b) The restricted account shall consist of:

(i) money appropriated by the Legislature;

(ii) grants from the federal government; and

(iii) grants or donations from a person.

(3)

(a) After consulting with the Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Commission, the department may expend money in the restricted account:

(i) on a project implemented by:

(A) the department; or

(B) the Conservation Commission; or

(ii) by giving a grant for a project to:

(A) a state agency;

(B) a federal agency;

(C) a federal, state, tribal, or private landowner;

(D) a political subdivision;

(E) a county weed board;

(F) a cooperative weed management area; or

(G) a university.

(b) The department may use up to 10% of restricted account funds appropriated under Subsection ( (2)(b)(i) on:

(i) department administration; or

(ii) project planning, monitoring, and implementation expenses.

(c) A project that receives funds from the Invasive Species Mitigation Account may not spend more than 10% of an award of funds on planning and administration costs.

(d) A federal landowner that receives restricted account funds for a project shall match the funds received from the restricted account with an amount that is equal to or greater than the amount received from the restricted account.

(4) In giving a grant, the department shall consider the effectiveness of a project in the rehabilitation or treatment of an area infested with, or threatened by, an invasive species.

Amended by Chapter 411, 2014 General Session