80-7-712. Funding of noxious plant management programs. (1) The department may make every effort to obtain federal funds under 43 U.S.C. 1242 to implement management of noxious plants on federal lands in cooperation with any federal agency and the local government body responsible for noxious plant management. These federal funds shall be directly disbursed to local governments authorized to conduct noxious plant management programs. The department may require individual or multiple local government units wishing to apply for federal funds to make proper application for the funds following the management program, budget guidelines, and policies of the department, and the requirements of 43 U.S.C. 1241 through 1243. The department shall request 3% of the total federal funds received per year to cover the complete cost of administering, monitoring, and auditing the expenditure of these federal funds.

(2) The department may cooperate in and coordinate the planning and disbursement of these funds with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for management of noxious plants.

(3) The department may directly expend or provide federal or state funds to local governments to manage or eradicate new noxious plant infestations invading federal or state lands within the state.

(4) The department may hold a public hearing in the specific locale requesting funding prior to granting the federal funds. The department may determine if there are any special requirements or restrictions that should be incorporated into the management program prior to its implementation.