§ 23 §4210-H — Municipal Stream Crossing Fund; grant program

1.
Fund established.
The Municipal Stream Crossing Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within and is administered by the department to issue grants in accordance with this section. The fund consists of proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized for the purposes of the grant program established pursuant to subsection 2 and funds received as appropriations, allocations and contributions from public and private sources. The fund must be held separate and apart from all other money, funds and accounts. Interest earned by the fund must be credited to the fund. Any unexpended balances remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year do not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.
2.
Grants.
The department shall establish a competitive grant program to provide grants to eligible project sponsors for stream crossing replacements on municipal roads. Eligible project sponsors include local governments, municipal conservation commissions, soil and water conservation districts and private nonprofit organizations.
3.
Fund proceeds; uses.
The department may award grants based on the extent to which the proposed project allows communities to more effectively prepare for storm and flood events and advances the goals of restoring habitat for fish, including sea-run fish and native brook trout, and wildlife. In awarding grants, the department shall consider:
4.
Grant proceeds; prohibited uses.
Grants awarded under subsection 3 may not be used:

Legislative History

PL 2025, c. 162, §1 (NEW).