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JFAC approves DEQ funding package including remediation transfers, Triumph mine work and ARPA reimbursements
Summary
JFAC approved a multifaceted funding package for the Department of Environmental Quality on March 20 that includes targeted pay to reduce permitting turnover, transfers for remediation and $73.8 million in ARPA reimbursements for infrastructure grantees.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a multi‑part funding package on March 20 for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that included personnel pay adjustments, remediation transfers, mine cleanup and ARPA reimbursements for infrastructure projects.
Senator Woodward moved the motion to add $592,800 for targeted pay to address turnover among permitting staff and supervisors, a $1.5 million transfer from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the Environmental Remediation Fund for Superfund cleanup projects, $1,030,000 for remediation work at the Triumph mine, $73,813,500 in ARPA state fiscal recovery funds to reimburse infrastructure grantees, a $641,600 net fund shift for personnel costs, and a $10,000,000 general‑fund transfer to the Water Pollution Control Fund for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure grants. The sponsor said targeted pay aims to retain experienced staff so permit turnaround times do not lengthen further.
The motion passed in committee on a combined vote of 16 ayes, 3 nays, and 1 absent/excused. The chair announced the motion will carry a due‑pass recommendation.
Analysts explained the ARPA amount represents scheduling changes to reimbursements rather than newly unexpected monies; DEQ requested moving appropriations forward to ensure timely reimbursement and spending within ARPA deadlines. The Triumph mine remediation request and the fund transfers provide the agency cash authority to continue ongoing cleanup work.
The committee also adopted reappropriation language to allow ARPA Capital Projects Fund money to be used for telehealth facilities via libraries (separate item discussed earlier) and added clarifying language for restrictions, conditions and reporting for DEQ projects. Members noted the agency’s new accounting system affected indirect cost processing and granted a one‑year exemption from expense‑class and program transfer limits for indirect costs in FY2025 to assist the department’s transition.
The package directs DEQ to follow the adopted conditions and report back to the committee as specified.
