Funds in the freshwater aquatic weeds account may be appropriated to the department of ecology to develop a freshwater aquatic weeds management program. Funds shall be expended as follows:

(1) No less than two-thirds of the appropriated funds shall be issued as grants to (a) cities, counties, tribes, special purpose districts, and state agencies to prevent, remove, reduce, or manage excessive freshwater aquatic weeds; (b) fund demonstration or pilot projects consistent with the purposes of this section; and (c) fund hydrilla eradication activities in waters of the state. Except for hydrilla eradication activities, such grants shall only be issued for lakes, rivers, or streams with a public boat launching ramp or which are designated by the department of fish and wildlife for fly-fishing. The department shall give preference to projects having matching funds or in-kind services;

(2) No more than one-third of the appropriated funds shall be expended to:

(a) Develop public education programs relating to preventing the propagation and spread of freshwater aquatic weeds; and

(b) Provide technical assistance to local governments and citizen groups; and

(3) During the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from the freshwater aquatic weeds account to the state general fund such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the account; [and]

(4) During the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, excess funds in the freshwater aquatic weeds account may be appropriated to the department of agriculture to support the invasive knotweed program.

Effective dates—2011 2nd sp.s. c 9: See note following RCW 28B.50.837.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.03.220.

Findings—Effective date—1991 c 302: See notes following RCW 43.21A.650.