Senate version reduces water-project funding, removes two federally funded FTEs and adds study deadlines

The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division reviewed a Senate draft that trims several House water-project appropriations, removes two federally funded positions, reworks line-of-credit language and adds study and reporting requirements for large water projects.

Committee staff said the Senate adjustments include salary and health-insurance revisions tied to the removal of two federally funded FTEs — an assistant National Flood Insurance Program coordinator and a Risk Map Program Specialist — and a set of multi‑million‑dollar changes across water projects. "Those first 5 changes are related to the removal of those 2 FTE positions," said Alex, staff member.

The discussion matters because the changes affect major infrastructure projects and the state’s flexibility to finance them. The Senate version reduces several House-intended funding levels and redefines some borrowing authority, while asking the Department of Water Resources to deliver earlier study drafts and to expand oversight of large multi‑phase projects.

Key funding adjustments cited by staff include a $228,750,000 reduction from the House version across various water projects and…