Military division seeks supplemental to clear vehicle backlog, modernize public‑safety communications and fund hazmat teams

The Idaho Military Division told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that it needs supplemental funding to complete communications installations on vehicles, modernize parts of its IT and microwave public‑safety network, and replace 20‑year‑old hazardous‑materials equipment used by seven regional teams.

Frances Lippett, the Legislative Services Office analyst, said the governor recommended supplemental and enhancement funding for the division’s FY2026 request, including funding to equip 40 Idaho State Police Dodge Durangos with critical communications gear and to expand installation capacity. The contracted installation work was estimated at $240,000 and construction of four installation bays at $300,000, Lippett said.

Major General Tim Donilon, Adjutant General and commander of the Idaho National Guard, explained the vehicle backlog to the committee: supply‑chain delays for vehicles and communications modules produced a sudden influx once chips were available, and installation capacity must be expanded to clear that backlog. “We do believe that we can spend this. We’re ready to move, as soon as possible, to clear the backlog and also create facilities,” Donilon said.

Lippett said the governor also recommended $759,200 for IT infrastructure and licensing to allow public‑safety communications to establish a standalone network independent of the state ITS for improved security. Donilon explained the request as two parts: updating aging hardware (servers and network equipment) and separating the microwave public‑safety network from ITS so the division can modernize and secure its systems.

Representative Petzke asked about an $8.6 million cash‑transfer recommendation to the Office of Emergency Management to equip regional hazardous‑materials response teams. Donilon said the division had not updated hazmat response equipment since about 2005 and that the purchase would be distributed to seven regional teams through the Office of Emergency Management. He cited a large propane spill on Highway 95 as an example of an event that strained old equipment and personnel safety.

Committee members pressed whether the division could obligate the supplemental in the current fiscal year. Donilon and others said they believe they can execute vehicle installations and the contractor work quickly; they also described planned facility expansions (additional installation bays) to improve future capacity. Donilon added that some contracted vehicle work must be quality‑controlled because installations by outside firms sometimes required additional corrections to meet Idaho standards.

Lippett and Donilon also discussed vacancies, cyber‑security funding received under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create a statewide fusion center, and a FY2024 deficiency warrant request of $34,200 for hazardous‑substance response costs that the division could not recoup from incident originators.

The committee did not take a formal action during the presentation. The supplemental and enhancement requests are presented for JFAC’s budget consideration.