Appropriations committee recommends $2.6 million for state wildfire suppression costs

The Joint Committee on Appropriations recommended a do pass on House Bill 1034, which would appropriate $2,602,081 from the general fund into the state fire suppression fund to cover firefighting costs incurred by the state.

Christy Turman of the Department of Public Safety told the committee the request covers suppression costs primarily in the Black Hills and that, unlike the disaster fund request, these are expenses the state has already incurred rather than anticipated costs. "As of June 30, 2024, the fund balance was negative $6,121,658," Turman said. She added that receivables of $3,519,577 leave an outstanding shortfall of $2,602,081, which is the precise amount the department requested.

Senator Vilhauer asked whether HB 1034 should be labeled a "special appropriation," noting the language differed from HB 1033. Turman said the difference is mainly the fund name and that the annual practice of requesting money to cover suppression costs is well established. Representative Van Heysen moved a do pass recommendation and Representative May seconded. Senator Bill Howard commented in support, thanking suppression crews for work that saved structures on his property.

The committee recorded the roll call in support of the do pass motion; the committee reported 15 yeas with members excused for absence and moved HB 1034 to the floor with a favorable recommendation.

Details: The state fire suppression fund was referenced by statute (SDCL 41‑20A‑8) in testimony. DPS staff told the committee this appropriation represents actual suppression costs already incurred rather than projected future expenses.