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Loretta Park
A representative wants to be sure those who help put out wildfires on state lands will be reimbursed without having legislators haggle over an expenditure cap.
But other legislators said it is appropriate to discuss why a state agency has spent more than it was allocated.
House Bill 294, sponsored by Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corrine, was approved Friday by the House with a vote of 46-24, with five absent. The bill now goes to the Senate.
"If we ever breach that agreement because that artificial cap comes up, once that confidence isn't there and I'm the federal government and I got a tanker and there's a fire in Idaho and fire in Utah, I'm not coming to Utah," Ferry said.
The state, over the years, has spent from nothing to $11.5 million to reimburse other agencies for help in putting out fires on state lands, Ferry said.
The Department of Natural Resources has had a base budget for fire suppression of $2 million a year, Ferry said.
"$2 million is not enough," Ferry said.
It costs $4,500 to $5,000 for each chemical drop an air tanker makes, Ferry said.
The Department of Natural Resources during a bad fire year has to make cuts in other areas to meet its financial obligations to fight fires, he said.
When the department goes over the spending cap, it has to come to the legislators and explain why it needs more money, Ferry said.
"This is something we're dealing with every year," Ferry said.
Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley, said it is appropriate to have discussions when a department is over its spending cap.
"I will vote 'no' on this bill," Bigelow said. "We need to have the discussion in a broader context. It will not impact fire suppression costs. I think this state has shown in the past its commitment to meet its obligations under varying circumstances."
Ferry said the state has come close several times to saying it won't pay more than the cap. Those who help fight Utah wildfires, whether it is the owner of a small cafe or the federal government should not worry about reimbursement.
"A crisis is something that happens in someone else's neighborhood," Ferry said. "A disaster happens in your own backyard."
HB 294
Sponsored by: Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corrine
Appropriation Limit Amendments - Fire Suppression Expenses -- This bill would exempt certain appropriations for fire suppression expenses from the State Appropriations and Tax Limitation Act. |
