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OPM proposes $15 million for rapid response to catastrophic events; clarifies LOSIP allocation language and updates on medical examiner facility
Summary
The Office of Policy and Management told the bonding subcommittee the governor proposes a $15 million authorization to allow quick state funding following catastrophic events, clarified language about municipalities' obligation to use prior LOSIP funds before receiving new distributions, and described a renovation/addition plan for the Chief Me
The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) briefed the General Obligation Bonding Subcommittee on the governor’s proposed bond authorizations and new programmatic language.
Secretary of OPM highlighted a new proposed authorization of $15,000,000 for fiscal 2026 intended as a rapid response pot of money OPM could deploy after catastrophic events — for example, storms or major flooding — to front immediate recovery costs while the state seeks federal reimbursement such as FEMA funds.
Nut graf: OPM also described technical changes to the Local Capital Improvement Program (LOSIP) language that require municipalities to demonstrate they have used or have plans to use previously allocated LOSIP funds before OPM will issue additional allocations. OPM reported significant unspent LOSIP/matched balances and said it will engage municipalities to clarify uses prior to releasing new allocations.
Other items discussed
- LOSIP/municipal balances: An OPM official said approximately $56,000,000 in LOSIP‑type funds remain unspent across municipalities and that the revised language is intended to encourage municipalities to utilize previously granted funds before receiving new ones.
- Chief Medical Examiner facility: OPM reported prior authorizations of $28,000,000 exist for a new facility and said staff and DAS have converged on an option that renovates and adds onto the current Farmington site, pressing north onto adjacent, buildable land. OPM described the approach as a compromise that would avoid acquiring new land and could be completed faster; the project will require additional authorization beyond the prior $28,000,000.
Ending: OPM said detailed program rules for the new catastrophic fund and the allocation process for LOSIP will be developed and that it expects to present allocation requests to the bond commission as needed.
