(a) To implement the purposes of this subtitle, the Secretary may provide up to 50 percent of the costs necessary to maintain drainage outlet systems constructed under the provisions of Title 25 or Title 26 of the Local Government Article.

(b) Maintenance of drainage outlet systems is limited to the control of vegetation and the removal of channel obstructions and placement of debris. Maintenance does not include major channel reconstruction or realignment or the removal of trees exceeding four inches in diameter at breast height.

(c) Plans for maintenance operations submitted to the Secretary for cost sharing shall include cost estimates and shall be approved by the appropriate soil conservation district.

(d) The approval of the Secretary for cost sharing is conditioned on written commitment of matching funds by the association submitting application for assistance.

(e) The Secretary shall establish priorities for approval of assistance, in consultation with the State Soil Conservation Committee.

(f) The Governor annually shall include funds in the State budget to be used for the purposes of this section.