Expenditure of funds from the abandoned mine reclamation fund shall reflect the following priorities in the order stated:
- (1) The protection of public health, safety, and general welfare from the adverse effects of past mining practices.
- (2) The restoration of water quality that was previously degraded by the adverse effects of past mining practices, especially in areas where water quality standards are not met.
- (3) The restoration of land resources that were previously degraded by the adverse effects of past mining practices.
[(47-1708) 47-1707, added 1994, ch. 220, sec. 1, p. 705; am. 1999, ch. 44, sec. 8, p. 107; am. and redesig. 2025, ch. 79, sec. 6, p. 360.]