Authority: Title 10.1, Chapter 11, and Title 58.1, Chapter 32, Article 4, Code of Virginia.
A. The State Forester is hereby authorized to utilize any unobligated balances in the fire suppression fund authorized by § 10.1-1124, Code of Virginia, for the purpose of acquiring replacement equipment for forestry management and protection operations.
B. In the event that budgeted amounts for forest fire suppression are insufficient to meet forest fire suppression demands, such amounts as may be necessary for this purpose may be transferred from Item 548 of this act to the Department of Forestry.
C. This appropriation includes annual membership dues to the Southeast Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, $1,000 the first year and $1,000 the second year, from nongeneral funds.
D. Out of this appropriation, $755,274 the first year and $755,274 the second year from the general fund is included for the purchase of fire-fighting equipment. The Department of Forestry shall submit an annual report to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade detailing the vehicular equipment purchases for each fiscal year by September 1, 2000, and September 1, 2001.
E. The Department shall provide technical assistance and project supervision in the aerial spraying of herbicides on timberland on landowner property. In addition to recovering the direct cost associated with the spraying contract, the Department may charge an administrative fee for this service.
F. The Department of Forestry, in cooperation with the Department of Corrections, shall increase the use of inmate labor for routine and special work projects in state forests.
G. Out of the amounts in this Item shall be provided $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year from the general fund to support and maintain an Urban Forestry Program.
H. The Department shall report by December 15th of each year on the progress of implementing the silvicultural water quality laws in Virginia. The report shall be submitted to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees.