                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

BLUE CATFISH PROCESSING, FLASH FREEZING, AND INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM (§
3.2-312)

A. The Governor may award grants from the Fund for the Blue Catfish Processing,
Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program to encourage efforts by
political subdivisions to support the processing, flash freezing, and
infrastructure of invasive blue catfish species.

B. Any funds awarded by the Governor pursuant to this section shall be awarded
as reimbursable grants of no more than $250,000 per grant to political
subdivisions to support blue catfish processing, flash freezing, and
infrastructure projects.

C. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry shall develop guidelines for the
Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program and
administer the Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant
Program on behalf of the Governor. Such guidelines shall (i) require that grants
be awarded on a competitive basis, (ii) state the criteria the Governor will use
in evaluating any grant application submitted pursuant to this section, and
(iii) favor projects that create processing, flash freezing, and infrastructure
capacity in proximity to small-scale blue catfish watermen.

D. The guidelines developed pursuant to subsection C may allow contributions to
a project by certain specified entities, such as a nonprofit organization or
charitable foundation.

HISTORY: 2023, cc. 133, 134.