87-1-274. Emergency instream flows -- funding. (1) The legislature recognizes the propriety of establishing voluntary leases or other authorized water augmentation measures for instream flows so that mechanisms will be in place to maintain streamflows sufficient for fisheries and aquatic resources during emergency low-flow conditions.

(2) Funding for voluntary leases and other water augmentation measures authorized under subsection (1) may come from any uncommitted funds allocated to the state under the U.S. fish and wildlife service state wildlife grant program or other available federal funds, matched by the department with up to $500,000 from the future fisheries improvement program provided for in 87-1-272, from the native Montana fish species enhancement program provided for in 87-1-283, from the river restoration program provided for in 87-1-257, from a combination of funds from these programs, or from any other department funds available for voluntary leases or other water augmentation measures.

(3) All leasing or other authorized water augmentation measures for instream flow must comply with all requirements provided in Title 85, chapter 2, parts 3 and 4.