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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session |
House: LARA DPA 10-0-1-0 | APPROP DP 13-0-0-0 |
HB 2539: nonnative species eradication; projects; appropriation
Sponsor: Representative John, LD 4
House Engrossed
Overview
Appropriates $15,000,000 for nonnative vegetation invasive species eradication projects along a specified part of the Gila River.
History
Laws 2019, Chapter 269 established the Nonnative Vegetation Species Eradication Fund for grants and projects to remove invasive plants such as salt cedar. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) administers this fund and oversees projects. Political subdivisions of the state such as cities and counties, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations can apply for grant funding for projects that prevent fires and flooding, conserve water, restore habitats and replace nonnative vegetation (A.R.S. § 37-1309). The fund is continuously appropriated and has received $1,000,000 legislative appropriations annually beginning in FY 2019, which will continue through FY 2029 (Laws 2019, Chapter 263 § 142). In FY 2020, DFFM awarded $1,970,000 in grants that have treated 2,116 acres.
Provisions
1. Appropriates $15,000,000 from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2023 to the Nonnative Vegetation Species Eradication Fund for invasive species eradication projects along a specified part of the Gila River. (Sec. 2)
2. Designates DFFM as:
a) The fiscal agent for all projects funded by this act; and
b) The primary contractor for all projects. (Sec. 2)
3. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing but requires all remaining unspent fund monies to revert the state GF on June 30, 2025. (Sec. 2)
4. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
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HB 2539
Initials PAB/JH Page 0 House Engrossed
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