DNR presents FY26 budget with modest general‑fund increases, added positions

The Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday presented its proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget to the Alaska House Finance Committee, detailing modest increases to unrestricted general funds and other funds and adding nine full‑time positions across the department.

The department’s proposed budget combines unrestricted and designated general funds of about $120 million and shows the largest percentage change in the “other” fund category, an increase of roughly $11.2 million, Deputy Commissioner Brent Goodrum told the committee. Goodrum said unrestricted general fund spending rises by about $3 million from FY25 to FY26 and that the budget proposes nine additional positions.

The nut graf: DNR highlighted that more than half of the general‑fund increase tracks a legislative provision adding interagency receipt appropriations to state facilities maintenance and operations to better manage utilities, repairs and facility costs across the department. Officials said the agency generates substantial revenue relative to appropriations: on a 10‑year average the department generates about $21 in revenue for every dollar appropriated.

Goodrum walked members through the budget tables and pie charts, explaining the four fund categories used in the operating budget (unrestricted general fund, designated general fund, other, federal) and saying changes are concentrated in a few targeted requests. Those requests include added interagency receipt authority for the Office of Project Management and Permitting to support anticipated projects ($140,000 receipts capacity) and a new interagency receipt appropriation to centralize facilities maintenance spending ($7,881,000 interagency receipts). The mental health trust land office would receive $5,556,600 in trust authority to support its 0‑based operating budget, officials said.

Committee members asked for follow‑up on specific items, including the status and remaining payments from the Exxon Valdez oil‑spill settlement and whether fiscal notes accompanied recent bills. Goodrum and Commissioner John Boyle acknowledged some items are “dynamic” and offered to provide more detailed follow‑up documentation to the committee.

The presentation covered a long list of line items that reflect program expansions, grant‑receipt authority, and new staff request tied to specific programs across divisions (forestry, mining/land/water, parks, DGGS, oil and gas, and others). The department repeatedly framed the FY26 requests as investments intended to improve service delivery, capture revenue, and reduce reliance on outside contractors.

The department’s budget briefing packet and staff said they will provide follow‑up answers to detailed questions on formulas for specific receipts and the number of years remaining on certain settlement payments.

DNR officials concluded by saying the agency’s focus is to “grow the pie” — to expand resource‑development and revenue opportunities while continuing stewardship of state lands.

Looking ahead: committee members requested written follow‑ups on the Exxon Valdez settlement revenue, the new interagency receipt authority, and the specifics behind the nine proposed positions.