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(a) The department shall develop and implement a lake management program. The program
shall include the following elements:
(1) Field surveys and mapping to document the presence of aquatic invasive species in
freshwaters;
(2) Development and provision of guidance and technical assistance to lake associations,
watershed organizations, and municipalities interested in undertaking lake management actions;
(3) Coordination of the implementation of lake management actions, where appropriate;
(4) Oversight of lake management policy and program development;
(5) Distribution of financial assistance for lake management, including control of aquatic
invasive plants, as resources allow , including such sums as appropriated by the general assembly
from the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund established by § 46-31.1-3 ; and
(6) Other activities consistent with the powers and duties assigned to the department in §
17 42-17.1-2(34).
(b) Upon receipt of funding, the department shall establish procedures and rules for the
distribution of lake management grants consistent with the following provisions:
(1) Entities eligible to apply for assistance shall include lake associations, watershed
associations, municipal governments, and other nonprofit, non-governmental environmental and
conservation organizations.
(2) Projects involving lakes and ponds located wholly within a privately owned property
and that lack public access to the waterbody are not eligible for assistance.
(3) Projects involving lakes and ponds that lack public access, excepting those excluded in
subsection (b)(2) of this section, may be eligible to apply for financial assistance provided the
department determines that active management is necessary to protect publicly accessible
freshwater resources.
(4) Projects shall be solicited through a publicly advertised process.
(5) Projects shall require a matching contribution of funds.
(6) Eligible projects are determined by the department to be technically sound and
appropriate control or to mitigate an existing aquatic invasive species management, water quality,
or aquatic habitat concern.
(7) Funding is used to design and implement specific lake management actions.
SECTION 22. This article shall take effect upon passage, except for section 2 which shall
take effect on July 1, 2026.