AN ACT relating to state forestry; creating the forest health grant program; specifying duties of the state forester; creating an account; requiring the attorney general to approve grants; requiring reports; creating an account; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.
This bill establishes the Forest Health Grant Program, administered by the State Forester, to fund projects improving forest health, water quality, wildfire risk reduction, forest product production and wildlife habitat. Specifies that grants can cover up to seventy‑five percent (75%) of project costs on state, local or private lands, and up to 50% on federal lands, with matching funds required. Creates the Forest Health Grant Program Account to fund the program and appropriates funds to the account. Requires the Attorney General to review and approve all grants issued under the program. Comments: Requires the State Forester to annually report to the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee not later than September 1 on all grants awarded under this act including the amounts of the grants and the projects the grants were authorized to fund.