80-7-1018. Invasive species grant program -- criteria -- rulemaking. (1) Money deposited in the invasive species grant account established in 80-7-1017 may be expended by the department of natural resources and conservation through grants to or contracts with communities or local, state, tribal, or other entities for invasive species management.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the term "invasive species management" includes public education and planning, development, implementation, or continuation of a program or project to prevent, research, detect, control, or, where possible, eradicate invasive species.

(3) A grant or contract may be awarded under this section for demonstration of and research and public education on new and innovative invasive species management.

(4) In making grant and contract awards under this section, the department of natural resources and conservation shall give preference to local governments, collaborative stakeholders, and community groups that it determines can most effectively implement programs on the ground.

(5) If the governor appoints an advisory council on invasive species, the department of natural resources and conservation shall consider recommendations by the advisory council for awards made under this section.

(6) The department of natural resources and conservation is not eligible to receive grants and contracts under this section.

(7) The department of natural resources and conservation may accept federal funds for use pursuant to this section.

(8) Any funds awarded under this section, regardless of when they were awarded, that are not fully expended upon termination of a contract or an extension of a contract, not to exceed 1 year, must revert to the department of natural resources and conservation and be deposited in the invasive species grant account established in 80-7-1017. The department of natural resources and conservation shall use any reverted funds to make future awards pursuant to this section.

(9) The department of natural resources and conservation may adopt rules to administer the provisions of this section.