(1) There is hereby created within the department the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances grant program.
(2) Grant recipients may use the money received through the grant program for the following purposes:
Sampling, assessment, and investigation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in ground or surface water;
Funding water system infrastructure used for the treatment of identified perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
Providing emergency assistance to communities and water systems affected by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
The department shall administer the grant program and shall award grants as provided in this section. Subject to available appropriations, grants shall be paid out of the fund.
The department shall develop policies and procedures as necessary to implement thegrant program. At a minimum, these policies and procedures must specify:
Who may qualify as an eligible entity;
The time frames for applying for grants;
The criteria used to evaluate and prioritize applications for grants;(d) The form of the grant program application; and (e) The time frames for distributing grant money.
To receive a grant, an eligible entity must submit an application to the department inaccordance with the policies and procedures specified by the department.
A grantee shall use the money received through the grant program only for achievinggoals approved by the department.
A grantee shall report annually to the department on the progress of any projectfinanced by the grant pursuant to terms specified in the grant award agreement.
The department shall develop a policy regarding a grantee's noncompliance with thegrant award agreement entered into by the grantee and the department. This policy may include a mechanism for the department to convert the grant to a loan with interest.
Source: L. 2020: Entire section added, (SB 20-218), ch. 141, p. 615, § 3, effective June 29.