This bill addresses wildfire suppression, restoration, and rehabilitation funding in Wyoming, appropriating significant amounts from the general fund to support various programs aimed at mitigating the effects of wildfires that occurred in 2024. Specifically, it allocates $1 million for the special contingency division of the governor's office, $1.26 million for the disaster contingency unit, and $30 million to the emergency fire suppression account. Additionally, it designates $100 million for restoration projects related to grass and vegetation, and $10 million for watershed health and infrastructure projects. The bill also establishes a process for the executive director of the Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board to manage these funds, including the development of eligibility criteria for grants and expenditures.
Furthermore, the bill authorizes the governor to borrow up to $40 million from the legislative stabilization reserve account if necessary to combat wildfires, with a requirement to report to legislative leaders upon exercising this authority. It includes provisions for reducing appropriations based on future funding decisions and repeals a prior borrowing authorization. The act is set to take effect immediately, with specific sections related to borrowing and repeal becoming effective on July 1, 2025.