§10303.__Purpose of fund

The fund is for the sole purpose of maintaining, improving and expanding state and local natural resource conservation programs and associated compatible public uses in accordance with the strategic plan provided for by section 10308, subsection 5, paragraph A.

§10304.__Relation to other funding

The fund supplements sources and levels of funding appropriated and allocated by the Legislature to natural resources agencies.__It is the intent of the Legislature that a grant received from the fund not be considered a substitute for funds previously appropriated or allocated to a natural resources agency.

§10305.__Fund availability

The fund must be available to natural resources agencies in accordance with section 10307.__Natural resources agencies may contract with nongovernmental organizations and individuals for the purpose of carrying out projects funded by the fund.

§10306.__Fund administration

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board shall administer the fund.

§10307.__Expenditures from fund; distribution

The board shall make grants, applications for which must be reviewed in accordance with section 10309, to natural resources agencies for projects found consistent with the criteria and the strategic plan adopted by the board pursuant to section 10308, subsection 5, paragraph A.__Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, the board shall distribute annually available grant money as follows:

1.__Fisheries and wildlife; habitat conservation.__Thirty-five percent of the money in the fund for fisheries and wildlife and habitat conservation projects;