Idaho Agriculture Department requests pay structure for investigators, funding to continue quagga mussel response

The Idaho Department of Agriculture presented its fiscal year 2026 request to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, emphasizing continued funding for quagga mussel response and proposals to improve staff retention.

The department told the panel it needs ongoing general-fund support and one-time funding tied to federal grants to sustain invasive species work and to shore up staffing in key inspection and investigator roles.

The agency’s budget and policy analyst, Frances Lippett, reviewed appropriations history and dedicated funds, and described several items driving year-to-year changes. Lippitt said the invasive species fund—primarily funded by a watercraft sticker fee administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation—supports prevention and control work including watercraft inspection and decontamination stations. She told the committee the 2024 legislature provided a $5,000,000 general-fund infusion for quagga mussel response and an ongoing $1.5 million general-fund appropriation intended for staffing and check-station operations.

Director Chanel Tewell described operational action taken since the 2023…