Section 38-14.2-07 - Commission authorized to administer abandoned mine reclamation program - Objectives - PrioritiesThe commission is hereby authorized to develop, administer, and enforce an abandoned mine reclamation program. Expenditure of funds for the projects under this program must reflect priorities in the order stated:
1. Administrative expenses and costs incurred in the development of the abandoned mine reclamation plan and the abandoned mine reclamation program.2. The protection of public health, safety, general welfare, and property from extreme danger resulting from the adverse effects of past coal mining practices.3. The protection of public health, safety, and general welfare from adverse effects of past coal mining practices which do not constitute an extreme danger.4. The restoration of eligible land and water and the environment previously degraded by adverse effects of past coal mining practices, including measures for the conservation and development of soil, water (excluding channelization), woodland, fish and wildlife, recreation resources, and agricultural productivity.5. Research and demonstration projects relating to the development of surface coal mining reclamation and water quality control program methods and techniques.6. The protection, repair, replacement, construction, or enhancement of public facilities such as utilities, roads, recreation, and conservation facilities adversely affected by past coal mining practices.7. The development of publicly owned land adversely affected by past coal mining practices, including land acquired as provided in this chapter, for recreation, historic, conservation, and reclamation purposes and open space benefits.8. The protection of the public from hazards endangering life and property resulting from the adverse effects of past noncoal mining practices. However, upon request by the governor of the state of North Dakota and approval by the secretary of the interior, such work may be undertaken before the priorities related to past coal mining have been fulfilled.9. The protection of the public from hazards to health and safety from the adverse effects of past noncoal mining practices.10. The restoration of the environment degraded by the adverse effects of past noncoal mining.11. The construction of public facilities in accordance with section 38-14.2-05.