Committee advances bill to expand cedar-removal program statewide, subject to funding

House Bill 2162, which would expand a trial program under the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act into a statewide effort, passed the Agriculture Committee and was advanced for further consideration.

Representative Dobrinski, who presented the bill, said the measure would set up a revolving fund, “subject to appropriation,” to continue eradicating the rapidly expanding eastern red cedar and several other invasive species. He told the committee the program had made “a great deal of progress” during the pilot phase and that the bill’s aim was to let the effort operate statewide if funding is provided.

The bill does not appropriate money on its own. Representative Roe asked about the financial impact and noted the committee had previously requested $10,000,000 for the program; Dobrinski said that figure is still under negotiation and that appropriation decisions will be made in the appropriations process. Representative West confirmed the measure is “subject to the availability of funds.”

Committee discussion focused on the need for an administrative mechanism to distribute and manage funds through the conservation commission if appropriations are provided. Dobrinski said the revolving fund would provide that mechanism.

The committee took a recorded vote after a motion to advance. The staff-reported tally was six yeas and one nay, and the chair announced the bill had passed out of committee.

The bill will proceed to the next stage where any appropriation would be considered by the relevant budget committees and the full legislature.