(1) The aquatic algae control account is created in the state treasury. Moneys directed to the account from RCW 88.02.640 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used as provided in this section. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.

(2) Funds in the aquatic algae control account may be appropriated to the department to develop a freshwater and saltwater aquatic algae control program and may be used to establish contingency funds for emergent issues. Funds must be expended as follows:

(a) As grants to cities, counties, tribes, special purpose districts, and state agencies: (i) To manage excessive freshwater and saltwater nuisance algae, with priority for the treatment of lakes in which harmful algal blooms have occurred within the past three years; and (ii) for freshwater and saltwater nuisance algae monitoring and removal; and

(b) To provide technical assistance to applicants and the public about aquatic algae control.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "saltwater nuisance algae" means native invasive algae (sea lettuce), nonnative invasive algae, and algae producing harmful toxins.

Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.

Effective date—2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.

Findings—Intent—2005 c 464: See note following RCW 88.02.560.