HB 1982 - DIGEST

Finds that immediate action is necessary to address the significant public health threat associated with harmful algal blooms in the state's lakes.

Finds that the state's current approach to treating harmful algal blooms in lakes has not proven effective to mitigate the dramatic risks to humans and animals living near or recreating on the state's lakes.

Finds that the state must immediately pursue an aggressive program to prevent or control harmful algal blooms in lakes.

Finds that this program must address the causes of harmful algal blooms in lakes and identify effective treatments and actions to combat the deleterious effects of harmful algal blooms in lakes.

Provides that ten percent of the moneys deposited into the water quality account must be allocated for program activities that control and prevent harmful algal blooms in lakes and to award grants to state agencies, local governments, nonprofit corporations, firms, or any other entity for the control and prevention of harmful algal blooms in lakes. Grant funds may match private funds on an equal basis.