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DMR seeks modest general fund raise, explains spike in special‑fund authority for prior‑year projects and oyster programs
Summary
The Department of Marine Resources told the committee it projects increasing oyster harvests, maintains 173 positions mostly funded by federal and special funds, and is requesting an $186,186 general fund increment (with $370,000 total progression authority across funds) plus authority to spend prior‑year Tidelands funds (~$5M deficit authority this year, proposal up to $6M next year).
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) told the Appropriations Committee the agency expects a significantly stronger oyster season after rebuilding efforts, reporting about 30,000 sacks harvested so far (up from 8,000 last year) and projecting 80,000–100,000 sacks for the season. The department noted ongoing reef building and reef restoration projects tied to federal and special funding.
DMR briefed the committee on FY25–FY27 appropriation trends and staffing: general appropriations were about $3.6 million in FY25, $3.7 million in FY26, and DMR projects roughly $3.918 million for FY27; total agency expenditures were presented at about $6.9 million. The General stated the agency plans to hold 173 positions (15 funded by general fund, ~40 federal, 118 special funds) and emphasized most salary and project expenditures draw on federal and other special funds, not general revenue.
On raises and progression authority, DMR estimated an $186,186 general fund need only if raises are approved, and roughly $370,000 across state, federal and special funds for progression and fringe. Leslie Bridal, DMR finance chief, explained that commodity increases reflect oyster culture (live spat and plant material) and that some contracts were carried forward, which raised commodity line items compared with last year's actuals.
The department also requested additional Tidelands spending authority to pay prior‑year projects without diverting operating funds. The General told senators the agency seeks roughly $5 million of deficit authority this year (beyond the $1 million previously provided) and plans to seek $6 million in prior‑year authority in the budget book for the following fiscal year to clear carryforward obligations.
Committee members pressed for clarity on exact position counts funded by Tidelands and asked for follow‑up materials and clarifications on the Bolton Building mold issue; DMR said some salaries are matched with federal NEAR and Heritage programs and that facility remedies will be coordinated with public properties.
