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Senate moves to double state match for conservation districts in statute
Summary
Senate Bill 36 would change the state match for conservation districts from $1 for $1 local to $2 of state funds for each $1 of local funding (up to $25,000 and subject to appropriations) and move a county certification deadline from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1; the Senate committee reported the bill favorably and it was advanced on final action.
Senate Bill 36, a bill to amend the state matching formula and administrative deadline for conservation districts, was advanced by the Kansas Senate on Feb. 12.
Senator Peck (Montgomery), the bill sponsor, told the Committee of the Whole the measure would change the matching formula from $1 of state funds for every $1 of local funds to $2 of state funds for every $1 of local funds, up to a $25,000 match and subject to appropriations. The bill also would change the deadline for conservation districts to submit county funding certification from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1.
Peck said all 105 counties have conservation districts governed by five-member boards; districts assist landowners, farmers and ranchers with water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat and conservation education programs. He noted that last year’s budget (House Bill 2551, section 63) included a proviso that provided a double match for the current fiscal year and that Senate Bill 36 would make the change permanent in statute.
Peck said the Kansas Department of Agriculture reported 93 counties were already at the $25,000 match cap. Senator Bowers, speaking in support, described personal experience using conservation-district programs on his farm, including a multi-year plan to install tiles and terraces to conserve soil and water.
The sponsor moved that the committee report the bill favorably; the motion carried in committee. The bill was included on the consent calendar for final action and was declared passed as part of the roll call that recorded 39 senators voting in favor and none opposed among the listed bills.
Senate Bill 36 makes a statutory change to the formula, but Peck emphasized the change remains subject to appropriations; the higher match would only be available when the legislature provides the funding.
