85-1-606. Grants and loans to private persons. (1) To encourage the construction and development of water-related projects, the department may make grants and loans to private persons from funds appropriated from the natural resources projects state special revenue account established in 15-38-302 and may make loans to private persons from the renewable resource loan proceeds account.

(2) The department shall publicize the statutes and rules governing grants and loans to private persons for water-related projects, set and publicize application deadlines, and accept applications for grants and loans.

(3) The department shall review, evaluate, and select the water-related projects for which grants or loans may be awarded.