STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS28093C1 / S1079
The legislation establishes a fund for the annual appropriation of state general fund dollars to support and fund
nonpoint source agricultural best management practices projects around Idaho. This appropriation was initially
set up during the 2017 legislative session and intended to supplement the agency's federal nonpoint source
program grant. DEQ has identified complications with appropriating, allocating, and disbursing these funds
all within the same fiscal year. The nature of these projects, spanning multiple calendar years or seasons, and
the short time frame in which DEQ has from appropriation to end of spending, makes it difficult for recipients
of these subawards to get the work completed and invoices submitted for reimbursement before the end of the
fiscal year in which the money was appropriated. The only options currently available are to have the legislature
provide reappropriation authority or for the Division of Financial Management to do a yearly encumbrance.
Neither of these options is ideal; therefore, DEQ requests a specific fund be set up for these monies that would
allow a longer time frame for the project proponents and awardees to plan and complete projects that benefit
Idaho's waterways. Creation of a dedicated fund will help DEQ align the awarding of the state monies with the
federal nonpoint source program grants thereby reducing the administrative overhead and duplication of effort
associated with running separate application and award periods.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no anticipated fiscal cost associated with the establishment of the fund. State general funds are
already appropriated on an on-going basis in DEQ's base appropriation for implementation of the state
agricultural best management practices program. Establishing a separate fund will allow for efficient and
effective allocation of the funds appropriated without requiring the legislature to reappropriate or the Division
of Financial Management to encumber funds that were awarded and obligated but not yet invoiced.
Contact:
Mary Anne Nelson
Department of Environmental Quality
(208) 373-0291
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/09/2021, 10:12 AM