Maryland § 2-1501

§ 2-1501.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    (i)    “Authorized equipment” means any equipment necessary for the management of forest land.

            (ii)    “Authorized equipment” includes:

                1.    Equipment necessary for the:

                A.    Construction and staging of marshaling areas;

                B.    Planting of trees; and

                C.    Removal of trees;

                2.    Vehicles capable of transporting harvested trees;

                3.    Wood chippers;

                4.    Materials required to administer approved products to ash trees planted in quarantined areas; and

                5.    Any other appropriate equipment, as determined by the Secretary.

        (3)    “Fund” means the Emerald Ash Borer Grant Fund.

    (b)    There is an Emerald Ash Borer Grant Fund.

    (c)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide grants to local governments, businesses, and organizations to finance purchases of authorized equipment to remove, dispose of, and replace trees infested by the emerald ash borer:

        (1)    That are located within emerald ash borer quarantine areas; and

        (2)    In accordance with any applicable State or federal law, regulation, or quarantine.

    (d)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.

    (e)    (1)    At the end of each fiscal year, any unspent or unencumbered balance in the Fund shall revert to the General Fund in accordance with § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

        (2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

    (f)    The Fund consists of:

        (1)    Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;

        (2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund; and

        (3)    Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

    (g)    (1)    The Fund may be used only to provide grants in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.

        (2)    A grant provided in accordance with this section may not exceed the amount that the local government, business, or organization has appropriated to finance purchases of equipment to remove, dispose of, and replace infested trees located in areas designated under subsection (c) of this section.

    (h)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

        (2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.

    (i)    The Secretary shall establish procedures for a person to apply for a grant from the Fund.