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AMPC told millions are allocated for research but governor's signing letter, obligations limit spending
Summary
Staff said the legislature allocated $3.1M this biennium and ~$3.0M from the prior biennium (roughly $5.6M total), but a governor signing letter and prior obligations mean only about $2.8M may be available for new work now.
Terry briefed the committee on the budget for adaptive management research: the legislature allocated about $3.1 million for research in the current biennium but a June request would redirect $500,000 to HCP work, and there is roughly $3.0 million remaining from the prior biennium—bringing a gross total near $5.6 million. After accounting for pipeline obligations (roads, steep slopes) and the potential reallocation, staff estimated approximately $2.8 million could be available this biennium for amphibian research if the governor's signing letter does not block release.
Committee members pressed staff on the signing letter. Kyle Abraham, deputy division chief for forest resources, said the department has requested clarification several times: "that signing letter is still in effect," he said, adding that staff have sought confirmation on when funds could be released. Members urged exploring co-funding and federal or interstate partners to stretch the research budget and suggested structuring RFPs with checkpoints so deliverables remain useful even if later funding is reduced.
