§ 27-131 — Abandoned mines safety fund; annual report

A. Notwithstanding section 27-129, subsection D, the abandoned mines safety fund is established consisting of:

1. Gifts, grants and contributions specifically designated for the fund.

2. Monies that may be appropriated by the legislature to the fund to match the gifts, grants and contributions based on the preceding year's expenditure report required under subsection D of this section.

B. The state mine inspector shall administer the fund. Monies in the fund are exempt from lapsing pursuant to section 35-190.

C. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated to the inspector to ensure public safety at abandoned mines on land owned by this state as provided by section 27-129. The inspector shall use monies in the fund to pay contractors for actual abatement costs to fill, fence or plug shafts and adits and not to pay administrative salaries and other costs. The inspector shall consult with the state land commissioner to identify and prioritize the abandoned mine sites on state lands to be considered for abatement.

D. Each year the inspector shall submit an annual report to the joint legislative budget committee on or before December 1 concerning the expenditure of monies from the fund and contributions to the fund during the preceding fiscal year. The report shall itemize each expense paid from the fund and shall describe the actions taken to ensure public safety.