LA HB710

Creates a new assessment on surface water withdrawals from Lake Bistineau to fund aquatic weed treatment and control, capped at $1 million annually

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will determine the assessment amount based on annual costs of treating and controlling aquatic weeds on the lake

All funds collected from the Lake Bistineau assessment must be deposited into the Aquatic Plant Control Dedicated Fund Account established in R.S. 56:10.1

Assessment funds are restricted to use solely for aquatic weed treatment and control on Lake Bistineau, overriding general provisions that might otherwise apply

Existing fair market value reimbursement requirements (up to 15 cents per thousand gallons) for water withdrawals from state-managed bodies impacted by invasive vegetation remain in effect