85-2-905. Ground water assessment account. (1) There is a ground water assessment account within the special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. The Montana bureau of mines and geology is authorized to expend amounts from the account necessary to carry out the purposes of this part.

(2) The account may be used by the Montana bureau of mines and geology only to carry out the provisions of this part.

(3) Subject to the direction of the ground water assessment steering committee, the Montana bureau of mines and geology shall investigate opportunities for the participation and financial contribution of agencies of federal and local governments to accomplish the purposes of this part.

(4) There must be deposited in the account:

(a) at the beginning of each fiscal year, the proceeds from the resource indemnity and ground water assessment tax, as authorized by 15-38-106, and the interest earnings from the resource indemnity trust fund, as authorized by 15-38-202;

(b) funds provided by state government agencies and by local governments to carry out the purposes of this part; and

(c) funds provided by any other public or private sector organization or person in the form of gifts, grants, or contracts specifically designated to carry out the purposes of this part.