(a) Program.--There is established the Drought Relief Program to provide grants to eligible producers adversely affected by the 1999 drought. In administering the program, the department shall cooperate with Federal and other Commonwealth agencies and private entities and may accept Federal drought relief or disaster assistance funds or private funds to provide grants to eligible producers.

(b) Application procedure.--To receive a grant under the program, an eligible producer must submit an application to the department in a manner prescribed by the department.

(c) Grant criteria.--The department shall review applications and award grants using eligible producers' approved applications for the Federal program from which Federal payment for eligible producers is calculated. Approved eligible producers shall qualify for grants under this chapter in amounts which shall be determined on a pro rata basis of the maximum sum appropriated under section 5102.¹

(d) Powers and duties of department.--The department is authorized to enter into agreements with Federal and State agencies as necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter.

(e) Intent.--It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Commonwealth funds provided under this chapter are in addition to the $75,000,000 or more in funds provided by the Federal Government.