36 M.R.S. § 4311-A — Appropriations of money received

Money received from the tax levied by section 4303 must be appropriated for the following purposes:
1.
Collection and enforcement.
The commission shall pay a sum to the State Tax Assessor representing the cost incurred by the State in collection of the taxes imposed by this chapter and the enforcement of this chapter;
1-A.
Transfer, allocation and appropriation.
Money received by the Treasurer of State under this chapter, including all receipts of taxes levied under section 4303 , must be transferred to the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine in its capacity as an independent agency on a monthly basis by the 15th of the month following collection and be used for all activities of the commission authorized under this chapter. All money received by the Treasurer of State under this chapter, including all receipts of taxes levied under section 4303 , must be allocated or appropriated to the commission by the Legislature. Money received by the commission does not lapse and may be invested until expended for activities authorized under this chapter;
2.
Promotion and advertising.
The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine may implement programs and activities to promote and advertise wild blueberries; and join with any local, state, federal or private agency, department, firm, corporation or association to implement the purposes of this section;
3.
Research and extension educational programs.
Thirty percent of the funds collected, but not to exceed $85,000, must be dedicated to the University of Maine System for the purpose of supplementing its research and extension programs related to improved methods of growing, harvesting, processing, product development and marketing of wild blueberries. The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine may allocate additional funds to the University of Maine System or other organizations for research and extension programs as may be appropriate to implement the purposes of this section;
4.
Administration and other activities.
The commission may allocate funds necessary for the administration of this chapter and for other activities related to the economic viability of the Maine wild blueberry industry; and
5.
Balance of funds.
Any funds remaining over and above the expenses incurred under subsection 3 do not lapse, but must be carried forward to the same fund and for the same purposes for the next fiscal year.