HB 597 -- Clean Lakes Program

Co-Sponsors:  Pouche, Dolan

This bill establishes a program within the Department of Natural
Resources to provide local-match grants or low-interest loans
for lake restoration and preservation projects.  The program
will be administered by the Clean Water Commission.  All lakes
at least 15 acres in surface area are eligible, except those
owned by the state or federal government, a public utility, or
an electric cooperative.

The department will develop an administrative plan by July 1,
2000.  Applications will be reviewed annually and ranked
according to their technical merit, extent of lake access and
use, and availability of other funding.  All projects must
include a diagnostic and feasibility study.  The program may
provide up to 50% of project costs, to a maximum of $75,000 for
the diagnostic and feasibility study and $300,000 for project
implementation.  The lake owner is responsible for remaining
costs.

Revenue is provided by boat certificate-of-number application
fees.  Other state, federal, and private moneys may also be
used.  The department may not use more than 10% of the funds for
administration.