MINUTES OF THE

NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEEJanuary 8, 2002

Room 305, State Capitol





MEMBERS PRESENT: Sen. Parley Hellewell, Co-Chair

Rep. Michael R. Styler, Co-Chair

Sen. Ron Allen

Sen. Bill Wright

Rep. Craig W. Buttars

Rep. Carl W. Duckworth

Rep. Ben C. Ferry

Rep. Fred J. Fife III

Rep. James R. Gowans

Rep. Bradley T. Johnson

Rep. Brent D. Parker

Rep. Darin G. Peterson

STAFF PRESENT: Steven Allred, Fiscal Analyst

Greta Rodebush, Committee Secretary



VISITORS: Attached to and made a part of these minutes





Sen. Parley P. Hellewell called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.



Members of the committee and staff were introduced. Steven Allred provided the handout "FY 2002 Supplemental Budget Recommendations" and spreadsheet "Budget Holdbacks-Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee" to the committee members. Sen. Hellewell introduced Bob Morgan as the new Executive Director of the Dept of Natural Resources. Also introduced was Kyle Stephens from the Department of Agriculture and Foods.



Mr. Allred, Fiscal Analyst, stated that General Funds budget reductions will need to be implemented to balance the FY 2002 state budget, given the projected $202.5 million shortfall. He summarized his

FY 2002 Supplemental Budget Recommendations for the subcommittee.

For FY 2002, the Analyst recommends reducing the current General Fund appropriation for agencies under the subcommittee by the Governor's original $1,112,500 plus and an additional $2,601,100 for a total of $3,713,600. The Analyst also recommends some small additions for Internal Service Fund increases and a program transfer.



Natural Resources Agriculture Total

Original Reduction ($860,000) ($252,500) ($1,112,500)

Additional Reduction ($2,338,900) ($262,200) ($2,601,100)

Subtotal Reductions ($3,198,900) ($514,700) ($3,713,600)

ISF Adjustments $20,500 $14,600 $35,100

Transfer from DCED $42,800 0 $42,800

Total Target ($3,135,600) ($500,000) ($3,635,700)



The committee recessed at 10:15 a.m. in order to review the Analysts recommendations. The committee reconvened at 10:22 a.m.

Mr. Allred talked about the Dept. of Natural Resources reductions. The Analyst recommends a reduction in the FY 2002 General Fund appropriation of $3,135,600. The following General Fund reductions were recommended:



DNR Administration ($63,000)

DNR Building Operations $9,300

Species Protection ($180,300)

Forestry, Fire, and State Lands ($1,632,600)

Oil, Gas, and Mining ($63,700)

Wildlife Resources Operations ($229,200)

Wildlife Resources Capital ($18,700)

Parks and Recreation Operations ($302,900)

Parks and Recreation Capital ($129,400)

Utah Geological Survey ($125,000)

Water Resources Operations ($123,700)

Water Rights ($276,400)





Other reductions and programs transfers combined make a total departmental increase of $4,282,700.

Rep. Michael R. Styler recommended that an additional $101,400 be taken from the Fire-Suppression Fund

rather than implement a one-day furlough.



Further consideration will be given to the RS 2477 program and Species Protection as the committee looks at FY 2003.



Sen. Hellewell informed the committee that Mr. Allred would present the budget for the Dept of Agriculture and Foods on Wednesday, January 9, 2002, 9:00 a.m. Rm 305, State Capitol.



MOTION: Rep. Styler moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Allen, Sen. Wright, and Rep. Johnson absent for the vote.



Rep. Hellewell adjourned the meeting at 11:55 a.m.









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Sen. Parley Hellewell, Co-Chairman Rep. Michael R. Styler, Co-Chairman