29.1-573 - Department; powers. - Virginia Statutes

§ 29.1-573. Department; powers.

A. The Department may conduct operations and measures to suppress, control,eradicate, prevent, or retard the spread of any nonindigenous aquaticnuisance species. The maximum effort shall be made to utilize the bestavailable scientific technology that is specific to the targetednonindigenous aquatic nuisance species, environmentally sound, practical, andcost effective.

B. Such operations and measures shall be conducted subject to theappropriation of general funds authorized for the purpose of suppressing,controlling, eradicating, preventing, or retarding the spread of anynonindigenous aquatic nuisance species, or the receipt of funds designatedfor this purpose from private entities, local governments, politicalsubdivisions, or federal grants. If such funds are not available to carry outthe purposes of this chapter, then the Secretary of Natural Resources shallseek and accept all possible funds from other sources, including federal,state, local, and private grants, loans, and donations.

C. In carrying out its powers, the Department may cooperate with any federalagencies, any agency of an adjacent state, any other state agencies, localgovernments, political subdivisions, and authorities within the Commonwealth.Other state agencies shall cooperate and provide assistance as requested bythe Director in carrying out the purposes of this article.

(2003, c. 446; 2004, c. 467.)