Sec. B-1. 38 MRSA §2013 is enacted to read:
§2013. Priority watershed protection grants program
A priority watershed protection grants program is established, to be administered by the department, for the purpose of providing financial assistance to entities to conduct projects that implement best management practices or other management measures in order to reduce or eliminate nonpoint source pollution in surface waters of the State. Funding may not be used to pay salaries of state agency staff.
1. Project elements. Each project proposal must either create a watershed management plan or implement an existing plan. A plan must include the following elements:
A. An assessment of water quality and uses of water bodies within the watershed;
B. An inventory of the types of land uses and the types and severity of nonpoint source pollution in the watershed;
C. An evaluation of the types and severity of other factors that may be affecting water quality;
D. A determination of nonpoint source pollution controls and measures necessary to improve or protect water quality;
E. An implementation strategy to address nonpoint sources of pollution in the watershed that includes costs and schedules for implementing best management practices or other management measures and agreements outlining responsibilities for meeting this strategy;
F. Actions to inform eligible landowners of the importance of utilizing best management practices on a voluntary or cost-shared basis;
G. An objective evaluation of the plan following implementation; and
H. Actions to achieve self-sustaining financial support of the plan.
2. Project approval. The board shall approve funding for projects based on the following preferences, considering public comments on project proposals that have been submitted to the board:
A. Projects that have been given a high-priority status by the Land and Water Resources Council, established in Title 5, section 3331, subsection 1, in accordance with the comprehensive watershed protection program under Title 5, section 3331, subsection 7;
B. Projects that demonstrate extensive local support in either funding or services;
C. Projects that seek to solve current pollution problems and plan for future protection of resources; and
D. Projects that create techniques, products or information that can be of use in more than one setting or in other projects in the State.
Sec. B-2. Evaluation of program. By December 31, 1999, the department shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resource matters an evaluation of the priority watershed protection grants program, established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, section 2013, as a means of controlling nonpoint sources of pollution and improving water quality. The report must include recommendations for improving the program, including funding options.
Sec. B-3. Contingent upon ratification of bond issue. This Part takes effect only if a $13,000,000 General Fund bond issue, including $500,000 for mitigation of storm water pollution through the establishment of a comprehensive watershed protection program, is approved by the voters of the State.
Effective September 19, 1997, unless otherwise indicated, unless otherwise indicated.
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