87-5-806. Administration and expenditure of funds. (1) State, tribal, and federal agencies, as well as conservation districts, irrigation districts, grazing associations, weed control districts, other entities the department considers appropriate for wildlife habitat improvement projects, and nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), may apply for project funding.

(2) The department may expend funds deposited pursuant to 87-5-813 and87-5-805 through grants or contracts to:

(a) improve, conserve, protect, and maintain terrestrial habitat;

(b) improve, conserve, and maintain aquatic habitat;

(c) participate in water enhancement projects to benefit aquatic habitat and allow for other watershed enhancements that benefit fish, wildlife, and water conservation;

(d) improve and maintain range conditions, restoration of habitat, and drought resilience designed to create habitat uplift on private, public, and tribal lands;

(e) address and mitigate impacts that are detrimental to wildlife habitat and the environment and improve the condition of the land due to noxious weeds, soil disturbance, and loss of diverse habitat communities;

(f) mitigate conflicts and reduce potential for disease transmission between wildlife and domestic livestock;

(g) help fund activities and employees of the state tribal wildlife programs; and

(h) create habitat uplift and net conservation gain for species of conservation need.

(3) The department may expend the funds deposited pursuant to 87-5-813 to pay costs incurred by the department for administering this part and providing support to the council, including but not limited to personal services costs, operating costs, and other administrative costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 15% of the total amount expended pursuant to subsection (2).