87-5-806. Administration and expenditure of funds -- cooperation with other entities. (1) (a) The department may expend funds deposited pursuant to 87-5-805 through grants or contracts to communities, noxious weed management districts, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), or other entities that it considers appropriate for wildlife habitat improvement projects.

(b) The department shall consider project recommendations from the council.

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

(2) A project is eligible to receive funds only if the county in which the project occurs has funded its own weed management program using one of the following methods, whichever is less:

(a) levying an amount of not less than 1.6 mills or an equivalent amount from another source; or

(b) appropriating an amount of not less than $100,000 from any source.

(3) The department may expend money deposited pursuant to 87-5-805 to:

(a) restore, rehabilitate, improve, or manage areas of land as wildlife habitat by controlling noxious weeds;

(b) acquire goods and services that will help control noxious weeds in order to restore, rehabilitate, improve, or manage land as wildlife habitat;

(c) fund cost-share noxious weed management programs with local noxious weed management districts; or

(d) provide special grants to local noxious weed management districts to eradicate or contain significant noxious weeds newly introduced into the county that affect wildlife habitat.

(4) Expenditures allowed pursuant to subsection (3) are limited to:

(a) biological or mechanical control of noxious weeds;

(b) purchases and application of approved herbicides;

(c) seed purchases and application of seed;

(d) grazing costs as a component of an overall integrated noxious weed management plan;

(e) other weed and soil treatment options and methods recommended by the council to reduce noxious weeds and support native vegetation; and

(f) grant administration, vegetation monitoring, and related administrative costs not to exceed 10% of a total project amount.

(5) The department may expend the funds deposited pursuant to 87-5-805 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. After fiscal year 2019, administrative costs may not exceed 15% of the total amount expended pursuant to subsection (3).