The fund shall be available to the department of environment and conservation to help defray the costs of administering the regulatory programs under each statute listed in § 68-203-101(b). The moneys shall be used for improved performance in permitting, monitoring, investigation, enforcement, and administration of the department’s functions under each statute listed in § 68-203-101(b), including the payment of salaries and benefits to employees administering the regulatory programs under each statute listed in § 68-203-101(b).