1. The governing body of any county of this state not declared a noxious weed control area may opt to establish a “County Noxious Weed Fund” for the purpose of making grants on a cost share basis for the control of any noxious weed.

2. Any eligible county opting to establish a county noxious weed fund shall establish a noxious weed control program. No resident or owner of land of any county shall be required to participate in such a county noxious weed control program. Any resident or landowner making application for cost share grants under this section shall participate in such program.

3. For the purpose of administering the county noxious weed fund, the county governing body shall have sole discretion of awarding cost share grants under this section.

4. For the purpose of funding the county noxious weed fund, the county governing body may appropriate county funds, or solicit municipality, state agency, and federal agency funds. All such funds shall be deposited in the county noxious weed fund to be expended for the sole purpose of controlling noxious weeds.

5. Any county opting to establish a county noxious weed control program under this section may make orders governing the program, and any county opting to establish a county noxious weed fund under this section may establish a cost share ratio on an annual basis beginning with the creation of the fund for all landowners, other than railroads, public utilities, the department of transportation, the department of conservation, and all other state agencies.