This report covers the submitted LAR document and attempts to summarize the priorities and changes in the aforementioned Legislative Appropriations Request.
Background
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) identified numerous natural resource concerns not adequately addressed by current programs. Additional funding requests are not being made at this time, but the agency believes they may be useful in the future to create public-private-partnerships with nongovernmental entities to establish on-the-ground implementation of targeted management practices.
Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts have growing funding needs and are projected to exceed revenue amounts by $5.5 million for FY 22-23.
Specific programs impacted by budget restrictions include: Conservation Assistance Grants, Conservation Implementation Assistance Grants, Field Representative positions, Soil and Water Conservation Public Education and Information funds, Nonpoint Source Grants, Poultry Water Quality Management Plan, Water Quality Management Plan, and the Rio Grande Carrizo Cane Eradication program.
Appropriations
- General Revenue: Request is same as FY 20-21, $41,407,951
- Federal Funds: Down from $30,814,969 to $30,573,336
- ALL FUNDS: down from $222,228,281 to $71,981,287
- Drop attributable to specific funds made available for Flood Control Dam construction and Statewide Pollution Management plan for FY 20-21
Exceptional Items
TSSWCB is requesting that their 5% Reduction in funding be restored, costing $2,091,252. These funds will restore 3 full-time and 1 half-time position, technology and equipment replacement, restore travel reductions from FY 20-21, and restore all reductions to program grants and services.
Riders
TSSWCB requests a rider revision to provide them balance authority for funds dedicated to combating Carrizo Cane. This will permit them seasonal flexibility in use of the funds. This is the only new rider.
