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JFAC backs $8.14 million boost for Idaho parks, consolidates operations program
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee recommended $8,135,700 in additional spending and five FTEs for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, including capital projects at Bear Lake and Lake Cascade and a consolidation that transfers management-services funding into park operations.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 11 voted to recommend an additional $8,135,700 and five full‑time equivalent positions for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, approving a package of personnel, operating and capital items and a program consolidation.
The motion, made by Senator Hart and seconded by Representative Manwaring, specified $5,410,700 from dedicated funds and $2,725,000 from federal funds for a total increase of $8,135,700 and an additional five FTEs. Key line items included $321,100 for park personnel; $210,000 for seasonal group positions; $195,000 for statewide operating costs; $309,100 to increase pay for targeted positions; $140,000 for an OHV‑use campaign; $4,000,000 for improvements at Bear Lake State Park; $400,000 for improvements at Lake Cascade; $2,263,000 for replacement items; and $197,500 for OITS hardware. The motion also directed a transfer of $23,035,600 from the management services program to the park operations program to consolidate those programs.
“There on the screen before you, we have the Department of Parks and Recreation,” budget analyst Janet Jessup told the committee during the presentation, describing the agency’s responsibilities for Idaho’s 30 state parks and trail programs.
Representative Furness asked for clarification about a $200,000 reduction in replacement‑items authority. A member of the work group said the committee reduced that line because the agency had retained funds that could be used in a later year.
The committee approved the motion; the chair announced the committee vote as 17 ayes, 3 nays, 0 absent, and the motion will proceed with a do‑pass recommendation.
After the appropriation vote, the committee accepted legislative language by unanimous consent that would exempt the agency from certain transfer limitations and allow transfers from the consolidated park operations program to the capital development program for the purpose of grants to capital projects. The language also reflects the consolidation of the management services and park operations programs.
The action is a committee recommendation; final enactment depends on further floor action and signature as required by the appropriations process.
