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Geologic survey seeks general fund support to stabilize database manager role; agency highlights role in mineral data and core preservation
Summary
The Idaho Geologic Survey told lawmakers it seeks additional general fund support for a database manager (0.13 FTE requested) after prior grant funding declined. The director said the position supports preservation of geologic data, a 2:1 match on federal grants and plans to expand core/sample repository services used by industry and researchers.
The Idaho Geologic Survey (IGS) presented its FY2026 budget request to the Joint Finance Committee work group, seeking additional general fund support to continue a database manager position that has historically been grant‑funded.
Kevin Campbell, the Legislative Services Office analyst, said IGS was spending nearly all its appropriations and that personnel comprises the majority of the survey’s costs. IGS Director and State Geologist Dr. Claudio Berti told the committee the database manager post has been funded with grants in the past and that the survey now requests partial ongoing general fund support because grant funding is ending and the role is central to maintaining Idaho’s geologic data systems.
Berti said the position helps the survey preserve data and leverage federal funds by matching at a 2:1 rate on federal grants; the database manager’s work enables the survey to secure federal monies. He said some previous funding came through the Department of Lands’ abandoned mine lands program and that continued availability of that source is uncertain. Berti also described the survey’s work on mineral mapping, data preservation and an interest in developing a physical core repository (to store drill cores and physical samples) to avoid duplicate permitting and expense if future exploration occurs in the same locations.
Committee members asked about the timeline for making the part‑time position a full FTE. Berti said reaching a full FTE depends on the funding approved by the Legislature and that the survey is currently requesting incremental increases (the request this year is for 0.13 FTE) to move toward a permanent funded position.
No vote was taken. The committee received Berti’s request and thanked survey staff for their work preserving geologic data that supports infrastructure, resource and hazard planning in Idaho.
