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JFAC approves $8.14 million in park funding adjustments, adds five FTEs
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved targeted increases to the Department of Parks and Recreation budget, including funding for personnel, seasonal positions, park improvements and an exemption allowing transfers into the capital program.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 11 voted to increase appropriations for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, approving an additional $8,135,700 in funding and five full-time-equivalent positions for fiscal year 2026.
Janet Jessup, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, told the committee the department "oversees the management of Idaho's 30 state parks and trails throughout 6 different regions in the state" and outlined the items in the motion before the committee.
Senator Hart moved the packet of adjustments, which as read on the record called for $321,100 for park personnel; $210,000 for seasonal group positions; $195,000 for statewide operating costs; $309,100 to increase pay for targeted positions; $140,000 for an off-highway vehicle outreach campaign; $4,000,000 for improvements at Bear Lake State Park; $400,000 for improvements at Lake Cascade; a transfer of $23,035,600 from the management services program to the park operations program to consolidate programs; $2,263,000 for replacement items; and $197,500 for OITS hardware. He moved "an additional $5,410,700 from dedicated funds and $2,725,000 from federal funds for a total of $8,135,700 and an additional 5 full time equivalent positions." The motion was seconded by Representative Manwory.
Representative Furness asked specifically about a $200,000 reduction in replacement items. Representative Metairie, speaking for the work group, said the reduction reflected use of retained funds in the agency accounts and the working group's view that some replacement items could be funded from retained balances in a future year.
The committee approved the motion; the transcript records a final tally of 17 ayes and 3 nays, 0 absent. After the vote, the committee accepted language by unanimous consent that would allow the consolidated park operations program to transfer monies to the capital development program for grants. Ms. Jessup explained the language "would provide an exemption for the agency to... transfer those monies for the purpose of grants to their capital operations program."
The action consolidates funds from the management services program into park operations and explicitly authorizes transfers from that consolidated program into capital grant activity, as described in the language voted onto the record.
The committee did not adopt other amendments to the package on the record. Staff and the motion makers said they would incorporate the language and proceed with the bill.
Votes at a glance: Motion to increase IDPR funding and add 5 FTEs — approved (17-3).
