(70 ILCS 405/6) (from Ch. 5, par. 111)
Sec. 6. Powers and duties. In addition to the powers and duties otherwise
conferred upon the Department, it shall have the following powers and
duties:
(1) To offer such assistance as may be appropriate to the directors
of soil and water conservation districts, organized as provided
hereinafter, in the carrying out of any of the powers and programs.
(2) To keep the directors of each of said several districts informed
of the activities and experience of other such districts, and to
facilitate an interchange of advice and experience between such
districts and cooperation between them.
(3) To coordinate the programs of the several districts so far as
this may be done by advice and consultation.
(4) To seek the cooperation and assistance of the United States and
of agencies of this State, in the work of such districts.
(5) To disseminate information throughout the State concerning the
formation of such districts, and to assist in the formation of such
districts in areas where their organization is desirable.
(6) To consider, review, and express its opinion concerning any
rules, regulations, ordinances or other action of the board of directors
of any district and to advise such board of directors accordingly.
(7) To prepare and submit to the Director of
the Department an annual budget.
(8) To develop and coordinate a comprehensive State erosion and sediment
control program, including guidelines to be used by districts in implementing
this program. In developing this program, the Department may consult with
and request technical assistance from local, State and federal agencies,
and may consult and advise with technically qualified persons and with the
soil and water conservation districts. The guidelines developed may be
revised from time to time as necessary.
(9) To promote among its members the management of marginal agricultural
and other rural lands for forestry, consistent with the goals and purposes
of the "Illinois Forestry Development Act".
Nothing in this Act shall authorize the Department or any district to
regulate
or control point source discharges to waters.
(10) To make grants subject to annual appropriation from the Build Illinois Bond Fund or any other sources,
including the federal government, to Soil and Water Conservation Districts
and the Soil Conservation Service.
(11) To provide payment for outstanding health care costs of Soil and
Water
Conservation District employees incurred between January 1, 1996 and December
31, 1996
that were eligible
for
reimbursement from the District's insurance carrier, Midcontinent Medical
Benefit Trust, but have not been paid to date by Midcontinent. All
claims
shall be filed with
the Department on or before January 30, 1998 to be considered for payment
under the provisions of this amendatory Act of 1997. The Department shall
approve or reject claims
based upon documentation and in accordance with established procedures. The
authority granted under this item (11) expires on
September 1, 1998.
Nothing in this Act shall authorize the Department in any district to
regulate or curtail point source discharges to waters.
(Source: P.A. 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)
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