(a) The General Assembly finds:

(1) The smaller the population and geographical area that a used tire program serves, the more unsustainable the used tire program is;

(2) In contrast, it has been noted nationally and within the state that used tire programs that serve a larger population and greater geographical area collect and process a large number of tires, are sustainable, and optimize the use of economies of scale;

(3) Before January 1, 2017, there were eleven (11) waste tire districts in the state; and

(4) It is in the best interest of the state for the used tire programs to combine to form inter-district used tire programs to operate in an efficient and financially sustainable manner.

(b)

(1) If a used tire program joins with other used tire programs to create an inter-district used tire program that serves a population of four hundred thousand (400,000) or more based on the most recent federal decennial census, the inter-district used tire program may receive a reimbursement of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) each calendar year to assist with funding one (1) illegal dumps control officer position.

(2) The reimbursement under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be paid quarterly to the used tire program subject to:

(A) The availability and appropriation of funding; and

(B) The employment of at least one (1) illegal dumps control officer by an eligible inter-district used tire program during the quarter for which reimbursement is requested.