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2004 Special Session I

Budget Amendments - HB5001 (Conference Report)

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Additional Nonpoint Source WQIF Funding

Item 382 #4c

Item 382 #4c

First Year - FY2005 Second Year - FY2006
Natural Resources
Conservation and Recreation, Department of FY2005 $7,500,000 FY2006 $7,500,000 GF

Language
Page 298, line 25, strike "$22,738,678" and insert "$30,238,678".
Page 298, line 25, strike "$20,977,511" and insert "$28,477,511".
Page 299, line 20, after "D.", insert "1.".
Page 299, line 21, strike "$1,917,500 the first year" and insert:
"$9,417,500 the first year and $7,500,000 the second year".
Page 299, line 25, after "Virginia." insert :
"Of this amount, a minimum of $5,000,000 each year shall be directed by the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to agricultural best management practices programs.
2. The Department shall review Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) operations and identify potential improvements in water quality and soil erosion programs. The review shall consider the relative needs of the various Districts, practices that offer the most cost-effective use of nonpoint source funding, and practices that are most appropriate given the characteristics of the various districts. The review shall incorporate the most recent findings on best management practice effectiveness. Based on the findings of the review, the Department shall propose changes in SWCD practices, staffing and funding, including the potential for performance-based funding, to improve the Commonwealth's nonpoint source programs. The Department shall coordinate this review with the requirements of House Joint Resolution 72 of the 2004 Session and any planned reviews of its nutrient management regulations. Copies of an interim report shall be provided to the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations, and Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, and the Senate Committees on Finance, and Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources by December 31, 2004. The final report including recommendations for SWCD practices and funding shall be provided by December 31, 2005."


Explanation
(This amendment appropriates an additional $7.5 million in general funds each year for nonpoint pollution prevention programs including a minimum of $5,000,000 annually for agricultural best management practices. The amendment also mandates a review of Soil and Water Conservation District nonpoint source programs.)