This bill appropriates a total of $20,727,294 for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) and $12,816,738 to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Iowa, focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. Key allocations include funding for the local food and farm program, dairy regulation, and support for farmers with disabilities, as well as initiatives for groundwater protection and state park operations. The bill also provides specific funding for Iowa State University, including support for the veterinary diagnostic laboratory and livestock disease research, while ensuring that unencumbered or unobligated funds from certain appropriations will remain available for expenditure in the following fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill introduces new funding for the Iowa Geological Survey, allocating $250,000 annually to assess the condition of the state's aquifers, with a repeal of this provision set for July 1, 2030. It emphasizes water quality initiatives with $2.375 million designated for high-priority watershed projects and outlines conditions for fund usage, including cost-sharing and educational outreach. The bill also includes provisions for the Iowa Animal Disease Prevention Fund, allowing funds to be allocated for equipment and vaccine development, while ensuring effective management of state resources through various appropriations from the general fund and the environment first fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.13