(30 ILCS 735/1) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9301) Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act. (Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96.)

(30 ILCS 735/2) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9302) Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section: "Applicant" means a unit of local government. An Illinois chartered not-for-profit corporation as defined in the General Not-For-Profit Corporation Act of 1986 can be a co-applicant with a unit of local government. "Department" means the Department of Natural Resources. "Director" means the Director of Natural Resources. "Urban/Community Forestry Proposal" means a written proposal documenting proposed action to be implemented to complete a specific project approved by the Department under this Act. "Urban/Community Forestry Management Plan" means a comprehensive document used to guide urban/community forestry management decisions. It contains information on history, policy, budget, inventory analysis of the forest ecosystem resources and management prescriptions, and other information prescribed by rules promulgated by the Department. (Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96; 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

(30 ILCS 735/3) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9303) Sec. 3. Administration of Act; rules. The Department of Natural Resources shall administer this Act and shall promulgate and periodically update rules and regulations for that purpose. (Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96; 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

(30 ILCS 735/4) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9304) Sec. 4. Duties of Department. The Department shall: (a) Promote the development of plans and programs for the establishment, management, and conservation of the urban/community forest with units of local government. (b) Provide technical assistance, planning, and analysis for projects related to urban/community forestry. (c) Seek and review for approval acceptable Urban/Community Forestry Proposals submitted by applicants within the State. (d) Provide assistance to units of local government and to grant recipients regarding urban/community forest management, such as tree care, disease and insect problems, and tree planting and maintenance. (e) Provide information to the Illinois Council on Forestry Development and other appropriate agencies and units of government with regard to urban/community forestry. (Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96.)

(30 ILCS 735/5) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9305) Sec. 5. Application for assistance; forestry plan. (a) Applicants may submit an Urban/Community Forestry Proposal for assistance under the provisions of this Act. (b) Requests for grant assistance shall include, but not be limited to, those activities that will implement a portion of the applicant's forestry program or forestry management plan or will lead to the development of a forestry management plan for the unit of local government. (c) Multiple applicants may apply jointly for assistance under this Act. (d) The Department shall evaluate the application and notify the applicant of the qualification or non-qualification of the application. The evaluation shall consider, among other factors, the effect of the proposal on each of the following: (1) The facilitation of improvements to the quality

of the environment in forests and green space areas within the applicant's jurisdiction through the improved management and preservation of the urban/community forest resources for the common good, health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this State.

(2) The creation of employment opportunities in tree

maintenance and related urban/community forestry activities.

(3) Maximizing the potential of tree and vegetative

cover in reducing energy consumption.

(4) The establishment and commitment to the

management and improvement of the forest resources of the community.

(5) An increased public awareness. (6) Increased participation of local citizenry and

volunteers.

(Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96.)

(30 ILCS 735/6) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9306) Sec. 6. Grants; sources and amounts. Urban/Community Forestry Assistance Grants shall be made available from appropriations from the General Revenue Fund, Illinois Forestry Development Fund, or other sources as appropriated by the General Assembly. The grants shall be limited to projects for which the applicant will provide at least 50% of the cost. A single grant to a unit of local government shall not exceed 5% of the amount allocated for the grant program by the Department in the current fiscal year. The Department shall seek and obtain the advice of the Forestry Development Council with respect to awarding grants under this Section. In the event that any of the municipality's contribution to the payment of the cost of the program is to be made by contribution of in kind service, the application shall set forth in detail how such contribution will be made. Units of local government may delegate program administration, including the receipt and expenditure of funds, to special boards by ordinance. (Source: P.A. 91-157, eff. 7-16-99.)

(30 ILCS 735/7) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9307) Sec. 7. Audit. All records, receipts, expenditures, and program activities of an applicant are subject to audit by the Department. (Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96.)