Section 324.41402 - Inland lakes aquatic invasive plant species control and eradication program; grants; application; requirements(1) The department shall establish an inland lake aquatic invasive plant species control and eradication program. The program shall provide grants to eligible applicants for eligible projects to control or eradicate inland lake aquatic invasive plant species using chemical, physical, or biological methods, or a combination of these methods. A grant may include funding for costs associated with preparation of a vegetation management plan, required monitoring, and any necessary permit fees associated with the eligible project.(2) An eligible applicant must meet both of the following requirements: (a) Be a legally constituted lake association or nonprofit organization, property owners association, homeowners association, lake board, or special assessment district.(b) Have demonstrated that a permit from the department is in effect to conduct the control or eradication activities included in the eligible project.(3) An eligible project must meet all of the following requirements: (a) There is public access to the inland lake for all activities associated with the project.(b) The waterbody has vegetation management goals created by a licensed commercial applicator or lake manager.(c) All survey, control, eradication, and documentation activities have been completed by a qualified scientist, technician, licensed commercial aquatic applicator, or university representative.(d) All control or eradication activities use best management practices.(e) The project utilizes products approved or authorized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the department, or the department of agriculture and rural development for control or eradication activities.(4) The department shall issue grants considering the following statewide priorities: (a) Permit fees associated with an eligible project.(b) Eligible projects to manage pioneer infestations of inland lake aquatic invasive plant species.(c) Eligible projects to prevent or control the further spread of inland lake aquatic invasive plant species.(d) Eligible projects for recurring maintenance control.(5) If an eligible applicant submits an application for an eligible project, but does not receive a grant because of a lack of available funds, that eligible applicant shall be given special consideration for approval in the following year.(6) An eligible applicant that wishes to receive a grant shall submit an application to the department containing the information required by the department. Applications for grants shall be submitted by July 1. By September 1, the department shall notify each applicant whether its application has been approved. The department may require an applicant that receives a grant to enter into a grant agreement with the department prior to the issuance of the grant.Added by 2018, Act 671,s 2, eff. 3/29/2019.Former MCL 324.41401 through 324.41403, which pertained to the Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Council, were added by 2011, Act 284, eff. 12/21/2011, and repealed by 2011, Act 286, eff. 12/21/2015.