HF 1236

1st Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing a zebra mussel control pilot program;
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84D.02, by
adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84D.02, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin Zebra mussel pilot program. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish a
pilot program to curb the spread of zebra mussels. The commissioner shall give priority to
bodies of water at risk for the introduction of zebra mussels due to their high levels of use
and to bodies of water infested with zebra mussels. The program shall include elements of
public education, inspections, and enforcement to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and
other aquatic invasive species. The commissioner shall provide technical assistance to and
coordinate enforcement efforts with local government entities and private organizations to
implement the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall provide grants to local government entities and private
organizations to implement the program. Grants awarded under this subdivision must be
matched with nonstate funding. Grant recipients must report to the commissioner annually
regarding the use of the grant money and the results obtained therefrom. The Department
of Natural Resources may use a portion of the funds appropriated under section 2 for
administration of the program.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; ZEBRA MUSSEL PILOT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2008 and $....... in fiscal year 2009 are appropriated from the
general fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the zebra mussel pilot program
under section 1. This appropriation becomes part of the agency base funding.
new text end