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Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) staff have prepared a summary of Governor Inslee’s 2022 proposed supplemental budget (released 12/16) as it relates to CDs and the SCC.
As a reminder, here’s an “in a nutshell” look at where the Governor’s proposal fits in the overall supplemental budget process:
- The Governor’s proposed budget is submitted to the State Legislature. The State Legislature will convene on January 10, 2022 to deliberate budget proposals and other bills. The House and Senate will each release a 2022 supplemental budget proposal. Before adjournment (scheduled for March 10, 2022), the House and Senate will reconcile differences between budget proposals and pass one budget to send to the Governor for signature.
Once enacted, the final 2022 supplemental budget will take effect for the July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 timeframe.
Budget summary: What the SCC requested and what’s included in the Governor’s proposal
The SCC submitted three 2022 supplemental budget requests for the following needs:
The tables below show a comparison of the amount requested by the SCC and what’s included in Governor Inslee’s proposed budget (follow this link to view the same information in a larger format):
2021-23 Supplemental Operating Budget
| |
Operating Budget |
SCC Request |
Governor Proposal |
| FY22 Appropriation |
10,859,000 |
|
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| FY23 Appropriation |
10,797,000 |
|
|
| Note: Appropriation totals |
|
|
Supplemental Operating Requests
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|
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| Sustainable Farms and Fields |
2,000,000 |
2,000,000 |
| Conservation Equity and Engagement |
500,000 |
50,000 |
| Riparian Plant Propagation Program |
n/r* |
1,300,000 |
*n/r=not requested
Operating Budget Provisos and Agency Detail:
- Sustainable Farms and Fields - $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2023 is provided solely for the sustainable farms and fields program created in RCW 89.08.615 to provide technical assistance, education, and outreach to promote carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Grant funds may be used to promote cover crops, cost-share opportunities such as purchases of equipment, seeds, soil amendments, and development of conservation plans that increase carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conservation Equity and Engagement - The agency will conduct an assessment of its programs and services to identify assets and challenges related to equity and inclusion. The assessment will include recommendations for inclusion in a conservation equity and engagement plan and the agency’s long-range strategic plan. (General Fund - State)
- Riparian Plant Propagation Program - $1,300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2023 is provided solely for the commission to develop a riparian plant propagation program of native trees and shrubs to implement riparian restoration projects that meet riparian zone requirements established by the department of fish and wildlife. Plants will be made available for free or at a reduced cost to restoration projects where a landowner is meeting the riparian zone requirement pursuant to House/Senate Bill No. . . . (Z-0441/22) (governor request legislation concerning salmon recovery habitat).
2021-2023 Supplemental Capital Budget
| |
SCC Request |
Governor Proposal |
| Farmland Protection and Land Access |
2,000,000 |
n/f* |
*nf=not funded
More information on Inslee’s proposed salmon recovery and climate packages
Salmon Recovery Budget and Policy Proposal
As part of Governor Inslee’s supplemental investments for salmon recovery, he proposed an updated salmon recovery strategy, which is outlined in this Policy Brief.
The bill associated with the updated salmon recovery strategy has not been released. The SCC is waiting to review the details so we can get accurate information to you and our Commissioners. We do know the $1.3 million Riparian Plant Propagation Program funding proposed for the SCC is a piece of the Governor’s overall salmon recovery package.
Climate Package
Governor Inslee’s budget and policy proposal also invests in a climate strategy for Washington, which is outlined in this Policy Brief.
The SCC is still reviewing the details of the climate strategic agenda. The SCC appreciates that it includes the $2 million we requested for the Sustainable Farms and Fields program that will lend additional tools and resources for CDs to engage people with climate-resilient and farm-friendly practices.
Next steps
Our staff will continue to track details of the Governor’s proposed budget and policies. We’ll be in touch with you when we know more.
We’re also coordinating with WACD to co-host an informational CD webinar early in the new year when we have more information — please stay tuned!
Contacts
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