This bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to various state 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 support for the Iowa State University’s Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, horse and dog racing law enforcement, and a butchery innovation program. The Department of Natural Resources receives $12,816,738 for operations related to hunting, fishing, and wildlife management, as well as groundwater protection. A new initiative, the "Choose Iowa food purchasing pilot project," is introduced to reimburse schools and food banks for purchasing local food products, emphasizing accountability through required quarterly expenditure reports.

Additionally, the bill includes significant allocations for forestry health management, state park operations, and the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Iowa State University. It mandates that unencumbered or unobligated funds at the end of the fiscal year remain available for designated purposes until the close of the succeeding fiscal year. The bill also emphasizes water quality initiatives, allocating $2.375 million for projects in high-priority watersheds and requiring the implementation of demonstration projects that align with the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy. Notably, it appropriates $12 million from the Environment First Fund to the Iowa Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) fund, replacing the previous general fund appropriation, and allows for the use of REAP funds for state park maintenance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.13