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ARBC hears state budget allocations, new watershed fund proposals and new 'Current' authority
Summary
At its June 9 meeting, the Amy River Basin Commission (ARBC) received a legislative briefing outlining state budget allocations (including a $4 million P1 line for upper restoration and a $1 million HB1 allocation through CPRA), companion bills to create a watershed restoration fund earmarked for the basin, and the creation of a new statewide authority called 'Current.'
Chief advisor Paul Sawyer briefed commissioners on several bills and budget line items that affect the Amy River Basin at the commission’s June 9 meeting. Sawyer said HB1 (the state’s annual budget) includes a $1 million allocation to the commission through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and that HB2 lists multiple flood-protection line items in the Amy River Basin, including a $4 million P1 allocation for upper-basin restoration and a $63 million P5 planning budget.
Sawyer also described companion bills HB802 and SB367, which would establish a watershed restoration and conservation fund and direct revenue through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to be allocated to the Amy River Basin Commission. “These two bills establish the watershed restoration and conservation fund and create a new source of funding revenue that will go to the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority to be allocated to the Amy River Basin Commission,” Sawyer said.
He noted the bills were adjusted to limit the fiscal impact on the state general fund and to narrow the initial footprint to the Amy River Basin. Sawyer said ARBC is the only legally recognized watershed restoration entity in the state that covers the basin and that the new fund would be administered through CPRA and allocated to DOTD for project work where appropriate.
On a related matter, Sawyer described HR 314, a study resolution that asks the Department of Conservation and Energy to evaluate whether additional state regulatory oversight is needed for sand and gravel mining. The study resolution replaces an earlier measure that would have created a new regulatory regime; Sawyer said ARBC expects to assist if the department pursues the review.
Commissioner Ed Knight and Sawyer also outlined a newly created statewide entity—referred to in the meeting as the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation and Transportation authority, or 'Current.' Sawyer said Current is intended to develop a regional master plan for flood control, water-resource management and related infrastructure outside the coastal area. “Current’s initial master-planning work will be funded in part by a start-up allocation and is envisioned to operate in the northern part of the state,” Sawyer said. Knight noted the authority’s board composition was adjusted by recent legislation and that CPRA will serve as a nonvoting member.
Why it matters: the measures and allocations discussed would create a new recurring funding stream for watershed restoration work in the Amy River Basin and position ARBC to receive and administer project funding through the state’s coastal authority. The changes also expand the state’s institutional architecture for water-resources planning beyond the coast.
Next steps: Sawyer told the commission the bills are on the governor’s desk awaiting signature and that ARBC will coordinate with CPRA and DOTD on distribution if the measures are enacted.
