SB 485

This bill makes the placement of a floating treatment wetland eligible for a lake

management grant and a river protection grant.

Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources administers the lake

management grant program, under which it awards grants of up to $200,000 each

for up to 75 percent of the cost of a lake management project that will improve or

protect the quality of water in lakes or in their ecosystems. Nonprofit conservation

organizations, most units of local government, and lake associations that meet

certain requirements are eligible for these grants. Under current law, activities that

are eligible for a grant include certain restoration, protection, or conservation

activities. This bill adds to the list of eligible activities the placement of a floating

treatment wetland in a lake. Under the bill, a floating treatment wetland is an

artificial, buoyant platform for keeping plants afloat that mimics the function of

natural wetlands and allows plants to grow in water that is typically too deep for

them and that is placed below the ordinary high water mark in a navigable water.

Under current law, DNR administers a financial assistance program to provide

grants for river protection management projects, under which it awards up to 75

percent of the cost of a project for up to $50,000 per management project. Nonprofit

conservation organizations, most units of local government, and river management

organizations that meet certain requirements are eligible for these grants. Under

current law, activities that are eligible for a management project grant include

certain conservation, protection, or restoration projects. This bill adds to the list of

eligible activities the placement of a floating treatment wetland in a river.