12.7.1109    PROJECT MAINTENANCE

(1) Projects funded under the program such as fences, bridges, culverts, irrigation diversions, bank rock rip-rap or other channel stabilization measures will become the property of the landowner. Fish habitat improvement projects such as spawning channel development, fish barrier removal or modification and structural cover development must be maintained for the useful life of the project by the applicant. A memorandum of understanding shall be prepared by the department and the landowner as necessary to allow for any maintenance or monitoring activities of projects funded by the program.

(2) Projects with demonstrated benefits to public fisheries and conservation of rivers may be eligible for maintenance funding under this program. Maintenance funding may be requested by submitting a completed program application form to the department. These requests will be evaluated by the program committee when they are received and funding may be granted after all factors are considered.

(3) Additional funding may be available to complete a project if a natural catastrophic event has damaged or destroyed the project during construction. Requests for additional funding will be evaluated by the program committee. The committee may allocate funds outside of the normal review process depending on the urgency of the situation.

History: 87-1-201, MCA; IMP, 87-1-257, MCA; NEW, 1990 MAR p. 1461, Eff. 7/27/90.