Military division asks JFAC for supplemental funding to clear vehicle communications backlog and upgrade hazmat gear

Major General Tim Donilon, adjutant general and commander of the Idaho National Guard, told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee the Idaho Military Division needs supplemental funding to clear a backlog of vehicles awaiting critical communications equipment and to modernize infrastructure for public safety communications.

The governor’s recommendation included two parts related to vehicle communications: a private contract estimated at $240,000 to clear the current backlog of vehicles and approximately $300,000 for construction work to add installation capacity. The committee was told the vehicle backlog resulted from prior supply‑chain delays for vehicle computer chips and a later influx of vehicles once chips became available. "We do believe that we can spend this. We're ready to move, as soon as possible to clear the backlog and also create the facilities," Major General Donilon said.

Why it matters: The division provides communications and emergency response services used by Idaho State Police and other public safety entities; nonfunctional radios or incomplete installations can reduce operational readiness for troopers and first responders.

Other components discussed: - The division seeks $759,200 for IT infrastructure and licensing to establish a public‑safety communications network independent of state ITS for improved security. Major General Donilon said parts of the public safety microwave network are being separated from ITS and that hardware and installation costs are required. - The governor recommended $8.6 million to the Office of Emergency Management to distribute to regional hazardous‑materials response teams for new equipment and training; the recommendation was described as funded by a cash transfer from the State Emergency Relief Fund. - The division requested a deficiency warrant of about $34,200 to cover hazard‑substance response costs the state was unable to recoup from incident originators.

Committee members asked about execution timelines and whether the supplemental items should be handled as FY2026 enhancements instead. Major General Donilon and staff said timing and the urgency of clearing the vehicle backlog supported a supplemental approach and that additional installation bays would reduce future backlogs. The general noted that contractor work has returned vehicles with quality issues that still require in‑state inspection and adjustments.

Hazardous materials teams: The division described seven regional hazmat teams that respond statewide. General Donilon said equipment at many teams is more than 20 years old and cited a prior propane spill response as an example of strain on current resources. "This request ... is directly to support our first responders for hazmat response," he said.

Other program details: The division reported roughly 429.8 authorized FTEs across federal‑state agreements, military management and the Office of Emergency Management. Federal appropriation variation explains much of prior year swings in total appropriations and expenditures. The division also described youth challenge and STARBASE education programs hosted by the National Guard.

Ending: The adjutant general thanked the committee for past support and stressed the state and federal missions of the division. Committee members requested follow‑up material and the agency committed to provide additional hiring and operational detail as the budget process continues.