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JFAC approves DEQ funding for targeted pay, Triumph Mine remediation and ARPA infrastructure grants
Summary
The committee approved multiple FY2026 enhancements for the Department of Environmental Quality including targeted pay to reduce permitting turnover, Triumph Mine remediation funds, ARPA reimbursements for infrastructure grantees and $10 million in general fund to transfer to the Water Pollution Control Fund for drinking- and wastewater grants.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 20 approved a package of requests for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that includes targeted pay to retain permitting staff, funding for remediation of the Triumph Mine site, ARPA state fiscal recovery reimbursements for infrastructure grantees and a $10 million general-fund transfer to the Water Pollution Control Fund for drinking-water and wastewater infrastructure grants.
Why it matters: DEQ's permitting and remediation work affects private-sector projects and environmental cleanups. Committee members cited long permitting turnaround times and the need to retain experienced staff to avoid delays that affect Idaho businesses and development. Funding for the Triumph Mine remediation and ARPA reimbursements will accelerate cleanups and reimburse grantees for eligible infrastructure work.
Motion and details: Senator Woodward moved an FY2026 package that included:
- $592,800 for targeted pay to address turnover among permitting staff and supervisors. - $1,500,000 transfer from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the Environmental Remediation Fund for Superfund cleanup projects. - $1,030,000 for remediation work at the Triumph Mine site. - $73,813,500 (ARPA state fiscal recovery funds) to reimburse infrastructure grantees for eligible projects (adopted as a timing adjustment to reimburse projects within ARPA deadlines). - A $641,600 general-fund addition with an offsetting reduction in federal funds for a net-zero personnel fund shift. - $10,000,000 from the general fund to transfer to the Water Pollution Control Fund for drinking-water and wastewater grants.
Committee discussion: Senator Woodward emphasized permit turnaround delays and the need to retain experienced staff; he said turnaround times had roughly doubled in some areas and targeted pay is intended to reduce churn. The analysts explained the ARPA re-scheduling allowed DEQ to process reimbursements that otherwise might miss ARPA spending deadlines.
Vote and outcome: The combined committee vote recorded 16 ayes, 3 nays and 1 absent excused; the motion passed and will carry a due-pass recommendation to the legislature.
Ending: The committee adopted language accompanying the motion, including reappropriation authority and conditions for infrastructure reimbursements and standard reporting language; DEQ will proceed with grant reimbursements and remediation work under the approved funding.
