(A) For purposes of state nonpoint source pollution management and pursuant to section 319 of the "Federal Water Pollution Control Act," the director of environmental protection may enter into agreements to receive grant moneys for nonpoint source pollution management for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the water quality protection fund created in section 6111.0381 of the Revised Code. The director may enter into agreements to make grants of moneys credited to the fund under this section, including, without limitation, passthrough grants to other state departments or agencies.

(B) The director shall periodically prepare and, by rules adopted under division (O) of section 6111.036 of the Revised Code, establish a priority system for identifying activities eligible for assistance under this section. The priority system shall ensure that financial assistance available under this section is first provided to:

(1) Control particularly difficult or serious nonpoint source pollution problems, including, without limitation, problems resulting from mining activities;

(2) Implement innovative methods or practices for controlling nonpoint sources of pollution, including, without limitation, regulatory programs that the director determines are appropriate;

(3) Control interstate nonpoint source pollution problems;

(4) Implement ground and surface water quality protection activities that the director determines are part of a comprehensive nonpoint source pollution control program, which activities include research, planning, water quality assessments, demonstration programs, enforcement, technical assistance, education, and training to protect water quality from nonpoint sources of pollution.

Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. 25, HB 59, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2013.

Effective Date: 05-26-1989 .