27-131. Abandoned mines safety fund; annual
report
A. Notwithstanding section 27-129, subsection D, the abandoned mines safety fund
is established consisting of:
1. Gifts, grants and contributions specifically designated for the fund.
2. Monies that may be appropriated by the legislature to the fund to match the
gifts, grants and contributions based on the preceding year's expenditure report required
under subsection D of this section.
B. The state mine inspector shall administer the fund. Monies in the fund are
exempt from lapsing pursuant to section 35-190.
C. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated to the inspector to ensure
public safety at abandoned mines on land owned by this state as provided by section
27-129. The inspector shall use monies in the fund to pay contractors for actual
abatement costs to fill, fence or plug shafts and adits and not to pay administrative
salaries and other costs. The inspector shall consult with the state land commissioner
to identify and prioritize the abandoned mine sites on state lands to be considered for
abatement.
D. Each year the inspector shall submit an annual report to the joint legislative
budget committee on or before December 1 concerning the expenditure of monies from the
fund and contributions to the fund during the preceding fiscal year. The report shall
itemize each expense paid from the fund and shall describe the actions taken to ensure
public safety.
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