The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced that new laws to combat aquatic invasive species went into effect Monday. Changes to existing laws include mandatory inspection and decontamination of out-of-state watercraft, a drain plug removal requirement, and the ability to establish local watercraft inspection stations.

The new law requires all out-of-state watercraft to be inspected and decontaminated at a watercraft inspection station before launching. In addition, a nonresident watercraft owner must purchase an “Invasive Species” decal. Funding is available for counties, cities and local entities to cover the cost of equipment and materials to operate watercraft inspection stations.

“Since Idaho's legislature took action in 2008, our state has been a leader in the fight against aquatic invasive species,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt in an official press release. “Today, Idaho has additional tools in our fight to protect agriculture, energy production, recreation and private property.”

Up to 20% of the annual Invasive Species Label Fund revenue is available to ISDA for the partnership opportunity. ISDA operates a hotline for persons needing information or a free decontamination wash for watercraft that may have been in mussel-infested waters.

A watercraft or means of transportation means a boat, kayak, paddleboard, inflatable watercraft, sailboat, trailer or other means of transportation on the water.

For more information, please call the hotline at 1-877-336-8676.

The Idaho Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the latest draft of the Idaho Transportation Investment Program, which lays out the state's transportation plans and investment decisions for the next seven years. The Department of Transportation invites citizens to review and comment on the draft from July 1-31. The draft includes plans for $6.9 billion in transportation spending, including $200 million for pavement and $100 million for bridges each year through 2031. To review the draft and comment, visit Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].

• received an award for self-expression on Friday during the second night of the Distinguished Young Women National Finals preliminary round in Mobile, Alabama. The $1,000 scholarships were awarded to five of the 50 national representatives who received the highest scores after speaking on stage. Mikah recently graduated from Burley High School. She will attend Brigham Young University in the fall and plans to become an actress.