Bill > SB2314

This bill amends the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act to expand the existing grant program administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The bill adds a sixth purpose to the grant program, specifically authorizing grants for financing shoreline restoration and protection projects on behalf of counties and park districts. The existing grant program, which focuses on climate change mitigation through native vegetation restoration, already allows various entities like state agencies, local governments, conservation land trusts, and non-profit organizations to apply for grants. The program allocates at least 75% of appropriated funds to eligible entities, up to 23% for restoration projects, and up to 2% for administrative costs. The new provision allows counties and park districts to use these grants for shoreline-specific restoration and protection efforts, complementing the program's existing goals of promoting native vegetation, removing invasive species, and mitigating climate change impacts. This modification broadens the program's scope to include explicit support for shoreline conservation and restoration projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2314&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104