§7783 Grants to Weed Management Entities

Summary

Gives grants to groups that work to control or remove noxious weeds. If work will happen on Federal land, the weed group and the Secretary must talk with the agency that manages that land. If work will happen on non-Federal land, the group must get the landowner’s written permission. The Secretary decides how much money to give by looking at how bad the weed problem is, whether the Federal money will bring in non-Federal funds, how much progress the group has already made, and other relevant factors. Grant money must pay for projects to control or eliminate noxious weeds. For projects only on non-Federal land, Federal funds cannot cover more than 50 percent of the cost. The non-Federal share can be cash or in-kind. Funded work can include education, surveys and maps, management, monitoring, developing methods, and paying staff or buying equipment, plus other control activities. Groups must apply with the information the Secretary requires. Projects are chosen competitively, based on factors like problem severity, likelihood of success, use of matching funds, building national capacity, progress made, a comprehensive approach, reducing weed numbers, and interstate cooperation. The Secretary should use regional, State, and local expert reviews when possible and give priority to projects that involve State, local, or Tribal governments. States with Tribal-established weed programs get special consideration and may receive extra funds.