This bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to various state government entities in Iowa, focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is allocated $20,377,294 for various programs, including the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, horse and dog racing law enforcement, and the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program. Additionally, it establishes a "Choose Iowa food purchasing pilot project" to reimburse schools and food banks for purchasing local food products, while the Department of Natural Resources receives funding for groundwater protection, snowmobile program administration, and floodplain management. The bill emphasizes accountability by requiring quarterly expenditure reports.

Moreover, the bill appropriates funds from the general fund and the environment first fund, with key allocations including $525,000 for forestry health management and $5.5 million for the operation of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Iowa State University. It allows unencumbered or unobligated funds to remain available for expenditure until the close of the succeeding fiscal year and emphasizes water quality initiatives with a $2.375 million allocation for high-priority watershed projects. Notably, the bill replaces the standing general fund appropriation with a $12 million allocation from the environment first fund to the Iowa Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) fund, allowing for enhanced environmental initiatives and support for agricultural and natural resource management efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.13