Water resource management fund

(a) There is established in the department a special fund to be designated as the water resource management fund. The fund shall be administered by the commission. The water resource management fund shall be used for the following: (1) Monitoring programs and activities concerning water resource quality, protection, and management; (2) Research programs and activities concerning water conservation and investigation of alternative sources of water; (3) Preparation and dissemination of information to the public concerning activities authorized under this chapter; (4) Data collection, development, and updating of long-range planning documents authorized under this chapter; and (5) Any other protection, management, operational, or maintenance functions authorized and deemed necessary by the commission, including but not limited to funding permanent or temporary staff positions. (b) The following shall be deposited into the water resource management fund: (1) Appropriations by the legislature to the water resource management fund; (2) All fees and administrative charges collected under this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder; (3) Moneys collected as fines or penalties imposed under this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder; (4) Moneys derived from public and private sources to benefit water resource protection and management; (5) Any moneys collected from the sale of retail items by the department related to water resources; (6) Any other moneys collected pursuant to chapter 174C; and (7) Moneys derived from interest, dividend, or other income from the above sources.