[§340E-34]  Grants.  (a)  The directormay make grants to public water systems from state funds as authorized andappropriated by the legislature for the construction of necessary watertreatment works or other related drinking water projects.  Grants shall not bemade from the drinking water fund.

(b)  The director shall coordinate the grantingof state funds with available federal funds for the same purpose.  Grantsinvolving federal funds shall be consistent with federal law.

(c)  The director may allocate grants todrinking water projects on the basis of existing health concerns.  No grantshall be made for any project unless:

(1)  The project conforms with the state grant plan toprovide safe drinking water;

(2)  The project is certified by the director as beingentitled to priority over other eligible projects on the basis of financial aswell as drinking water quality needs; and

(3)  In the case of water treatment works, theapplicant for the grant commits to maintain the water treatment plant efficientlyand properly after its construction. [L 1997, c 218, pt of §2]