The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Commission voted to approve a set of budget expansions the commission's finance staff said were needed to settle completed FY25 projects and provide FY26 spending authority for several reimbursable projects and marina grants.

Director Frank Fiske reported three FY25 items requiring FY26 authority to pay prior‑year obligations, including work with the University of Tennessee, a vendor storage shed and ramp work at the Dan Ridge boat ramp. He also requested three FY26 expansions funded by external sources: fisheries habitat work tied to the Harms Mill Dam removal, endangered‑species partner projects (with federal reimbursement), and recurring monitoring for the Reelfoot spillway paid from the wetland acquisition fund.

Fiske told commissioners that the boating fund needed increased authority for marina grants because the next round of grants — funded from a dedicated share of marine fuel tax receipts — requires delegated authority to issue contracts and pay outstanding second‑year fees from prior grants. He said the boating grant program is fully supported by dedicated fuel‑tax receipts and that the expansion would allow grant awards to proceed.

Commissioner Cameron moved to approve the package as presented; commissioners voted by voice and approved the expansions. “If there’s no objection, I recommend that we vote on these as a package,” Fiske said before the motion; the commission then approved the package by voice vote.

Ending: The vote established additional FY26 spending authority so staff can pay accrued FY25 obligations and issue marina grant contracts. Commissioners asked for clarifying dates and follow‑up on grant timing; staff said paperwork to award marina grants would commence following the appropriation of authority.