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Idaho Agriculture Seeks Continued Funding After 2024 Quagga Mussel Response
Summary
Department of Agriculture officials told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee the state increased inspection, sampling and staffing in 2024 and is seeking continued general-fund and dedicated-fund support for quagga mussel detection, response and investigator retention.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Friday that the state nearly doubled watercraft sampling and inspections statewide in 2024 and is seeking continued funding to maintain and build on those efforts.
Legislative budget analyst Frances Lippett outlined the department's budget history and the structure of its funds, and Director Chanel Tewalt described program operations and staffing needs. Lippett told the panel the department received a one-time $5 million general-fund infusion last session for quagga mussel response and an ongoing $1.5 million general-fund appropriation to help cover staffing and check-station needs. Lippett said the invasive species fund is funded primarily by a watercraft sticker fee collected by the…
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