(1) The freshwater aquatic algae control account is created in the state treasury. Moneys directed to the account from RCW 88.02.050 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used as provided in this section. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.

     (2) Funds in the freshwater aquatic algae control account may be appropriated to the department to develop a freshwater aquatic algae control program. Funds must be expended as follows:

     (a) As grants to cities, counties, tribes, special purpose districts, and state agencies to manage excessive freshwater algae, with priority for the treatment of lakes in which harmful algal blooms have occurred within the past three years; and during the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium to provide grants for sea lettuce research and removal to assist Puget Sound communities that are impacted by hyperblooms of sea lettuce; and

     (b) To provide technical assistance to applicants and the public about aquatic algae control.

     (3) The department shall submit a biennial report to the appropriate legislative committees describing the actions taken to implement this section along with suggestions on how to better fulfill the intent of chapter 464, Laws of 2005. The first report is due December 1, 2007.

[2009 c 564 § 933; 2005 c 464 § 4.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.

     Findings -- Intent -- 2005 c 464: See note following RCW 88.02.050.