Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §332, sub-§§5 and 7, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 435, §3, are amended to read:

5. Responsibilities. The board shall coordinate all state and local efforts concerning irrigation activity in Aroostook County and with respect to implementation of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Conservation Research/Demonstration Program, referred to in this section as the "program." Coordination includes, but is not limited to:

A. Determining research priorities and informational needs relative to improved water and soil management practices;

B. Entering into agreements with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the University of Maine System, the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, local soil and water conservation districts, state agencies federal, state and local governmental units and agencies, private organizations and individuals to carry out research, demonstration and informational activities related to the program or to irrigation activities in Aroostook County;

C. Assuring that new information developed by the program board is effectively disseminated; and

D. Evaluating progress of the program and making recommendations regarding its future direction.

7. Report. The board shall report at least annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture. The report shall must include an accounting of its meetings and actions, including agreements entered into, status of demonstration projects, research findings, informational activities and an evaluation of the program, with recommendations regarding irrigation activities in Aroostook County and changes or improvements in the program.

Sec. 2. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

1999-00 2000-01

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

FOOD AND RURAL RESOURCES

Low-flow Study