HOUSE REPUBLICAN STAFF ANALYSIS

Transcription

1 HOUSE REPUBLICAN STAFF ANALYSIS Bill: House File 650 (Formerly HSB 246) Committee: Appropriations Floor Manager: Rep. Huseman Date: April 29, 2015 Staff: Brittany Telk (1-3452) House Committee: House Floor: Senate Floor: Governor: PASSED on April 22 (25-0) Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund Budget Fiscal Year 2016: o Appropriates $119.1 million $114.4 million from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) $4.6 million from the Revenue Bonds Capitals II Fund (RBC2) There is no Technology Reinvestment Funding in this bill Ending balance: $202,100 o Total Infrastructure Funding (including prior appropriations and RBC2): $203.4 million Fiscal Year 2017: o Appropriates $71.9 million Ending balance: $430,101 o Total Infrastructure Funding (including prior appropriations): $179.0 million *This analysis contains only appropriations made in HOUSE FILE 650. There are many other projects receiving funding in Fiscal Year 2016 and beyond that were previously enacted. Please see LSA NOBA for details on previously enacted projects. Section by Section Analysis DIVISION I REBUILD IOWA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND SECTION 1 Department and Agency Projects The Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF), established in Iowa Code section 8.57(6), is the primary funding source for public infrastructure-related expenditures. All expenditures from the RIIF must comply with the vertical infrastructure definition. The code states that moneys in the RIIF shall be used as directed by the general assembly for public vertical infrastructure projects. Vertical infrastructure includes only land acquisition and construction; major renovation and major repair of buildings; all appurtenant structures; utilities; site development; recreational trails; and debt service payments on academic revenue bonds issued in accordance with chapter 262A for capital projects at board of regents institutions. Vertical infrastructure does 1

2 not include routine, recurring maintenance or operational expenses or leasing of a building, appurtenant structure, or utility without a lease-purchase agreement. Projects that do not meet the definition of vertical infrastructure require language that notwithstands the statutory definition. Department of Administrative Services Major Maintenance $14.0 million $0 $16.0 million This budgeting unit is for major maintenance, repairs and improvements to State facilities. Major maintenance funds are used to correct deficiencies in State buildings and make a wide range of repairs. Twelve state agencies and divisions participate in the DAS Vertical Infrastructure Program. The Program includes approximately 900 buildings at more than 70 locations across the State. Projects are ranked by priority order: threats to health, life and safety; nonemergency repairs to prevent exponential damage; increasing or maintaining access in accordance with the ADA; scheduled maintenance in order to prolong the equipment or building life; projects to increase operational or energy efficiency; and demolition. Emergency repairs are made as needed and occasionally bump a lower priority project on the list when they arise. Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Water Quality Initiative $0 $3.1 million $5.35 million $0 $0 $3.1 million This is a new budgeting unit. The Iowa Water Quality initiative provides funding for prioritized watersheds to implement conservation practices that will reduce nutrient transport to bodies of water in Iowa. Funded projects are typically managed by soil and water conservation districts. There have been 13 projects funded through the program as of This program was previously funded from the General Fund. It requires the funds to be used to support subwatersheds that are included within high-priority watersheds as identified by the Water Resources Coordinating Council that meet certain criteria. It also requires IDALS to support education and outreach to encourage agricultural producers to establish water quality practices. It further allows IDALS to use funds for contracts that will assist with this initiative, as well as to support urban soil and water conservation practices and allocate funds on a cost-share basis. Finally, it allows up to 10% of these funds to be used for administration and implementation of soil and water conservation practices. Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Agriculture Drainage Wells $0 $1.92 million $1.92 million $0 $0 $1.92 million This is budgeting unit will go towards the closure of agriculture drainage wells. The IDALS coordinates activities with landowners to develop a plan to close wells. The State s cost-share contribution is limited to 2

3 75% of the estimated or actual cost of closing the well. Agricultural drainage wells were developed in the early 1900s to drain undesired water from farmland to underground aquifers. The Agricultural Drainage Well Water Quality Assistance Fund was created in 1997 to close these drainage wells and protect aquifers. This program provides a cost-share initiative with landowners to close the well. There are a total of 300 registered agricultural drainage wells, with 233 wells that have been closed to date and 31 being funded and in the process of closure. This budgeting unit will complete the closure of approximately 17 drainage wells, with 19 remaining. Department of Cultural Affairs Iowa Great Places $1.0 million $0 $1.0 million $0 $0 $1.0 million This budgeting unit is for the Iowa Great Places Program. The funding continues the Iowa Great Places initiative to enhance the cultural development of Iowa communities. The projects in the Great Places Program are capital projects that must meet the definition of vertical infrastructure. Approved grants include infrastructure projects such as park creation and development, acquisition and renovation of historical buildings, renovation and expansion of museums, and recreational trails design and construction. There are 28 designated Great Places across the state. Department of Cultural Affairs Rural YMCA Facility Improvements $0 $0 $500,000 This is a new appropriation for FY 2016 which is dedicated to providing grants to YMCAs serving a community with a population under 28,000 residents. The communities of Le Mars, Forest City, Algona, Fort Madison, Ottumwa, Charles City, Oskaloosa, Newton, Spencer, Marshalltown s Cultural Center and Burlington, each having facilities that are 25 or more years old, could apply for grants to assist with maintenance needs. Facilities serving other rural communities in and around Spirit Lake, Red Oak, Muscatine, Creston and Atlantic are also eligible to apply for facility improvement or maintenance grants. Economic Development Authority Community Attraction and Tourism Grants $5.0 million $0 $5.0 million $0 $0 $5.0 million This budgeting unit will fund the Community Attraction and Tourism Development Fund (CAT). CAT projects are approved through the Vision Iowa Board and must meet the definition of vertical infrastructure. Projects funded through the program have included renovation of buildings for purposes of exhibition spaces, art centers, museums, theaters, aquatic centers, equine centers, development of recreational trails and other local community improvements. 3

4 Economic Development Authority Regional Sports Authorities $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $0 $500,000 $500,000 This budgeting unit is for Regional Sports Authorities. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) uses the funding for promotional purposes at the ten sports authorities around the State to market their communities and sporting events and to attract sports teams to the communities. A few examples of events at the various regions are the Iowa Special Olympic Winter Games, AAU Junior Olympics, NAIA Division II Women s Basketball National Championship, US Hockey League Fall Classic, NCAA Division II Super Regional Wrestling Tournament, Iowa Summer Games Sports Festival, and the NCAA Division Wrestling Championships. The Regional Sports Authority District Program under Iowa Code section 15E.321 authorizes the IEDA to certify up to ten districts for the promotion of youth sports, high school athletics, the Special Olympics, or other nonprofessional sporting events. Each district receives an equal share of the appropriation. Funding is awarded to the Convention and Visitors Bureaus for the areas. Iowa Code section 15E.321 requires the IEDA to certify the districts on a competitive basis, if more than ten applications are received. Economic Development Authority World Food Prize Borlaug/Ruan Scholar Program $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $0 $200,000 $200,000 This budgeting unit is for the World Food Prize to administer and support the Borlaug/Ruan Scholar Program. The Borlaug/Ruan Scholar Program is an international program that provides high school students with experiences of working with scientists and policymakers at research centers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. These Borlaug/Ruan interns have traveled to places such as Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya and Malaysia, among other countries. Department of Human Services Nursing Home Facility Improvements $500,000 $0 $500,000 $0 $0 $500,000 This budgeting unit is for nursing home facility improvements. The Nursing Home Financial Assistance Program in Iowa Code chapter 249K was established in the 2008 Infrastructure Appropriations Act to support the appropriate number of nursing facility beds for the State's citizens and to financially assist nursing facilities in remaining compliant with applicable health and safety regulations. 4

5 Department of Human Services On With Life $0 $0 $500,000 $0 $0 $500,000 This budgeting unit will be used to fund a portion of the construction costs associated with the expansion of the On With Life brain injury rehabilitation facility located in Ankeny. On With Life provides post-acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for those with sustained traumatic brain injuries. The organization also provides long-term skilled and independent living services. The funds will be used for an outpatient therapy center. Department of Natural Resources Lake Restoration and Water Quality $9.6 million $9.6 million $9.6 million $0 $9.6 million $9.6 million This budgeting unit is for lake restoration and water quality. The funds are used for projects identified in the Lake Restoration Annual Report and Plan focusing on the first 35 projects that make up the priority list of lake candidates. The DNR must implement the projects in accordance with the Lake Restoration Report and Plan, submitted annually to the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee by January 1. Department of Natural Resources Water Trails and Low Head Dam Safety Program $2.0 million $2.0 million $2.0 million This budgeting unit is for the administration of a water trails and low head dam public hazard statewide plan. The funds support grant awards to local entities for water trail enhancements and dam mitigation grants to dam owners, including State and local government entities and private owners, to improve low head dam safety. 5

6 Department of Natural Resources State Park Infrastructure $5.0 million $0 $5.0 million $0 $0 $2.0 million This budgeting unit maintains current level of funding compared to FY State park infrastructure improvements will include: replacing sewer lines, upgrading public drinking water systems, replacing shower buildings, constructing restrooms, replacing trail bridges, extending trail areas and providing open-air interpretive shelters and exhibits. The State Park infrastructure appropriations are an effect to improve the parks for preparation for the 100 th anniversary of State Parks in Department of Natural Resources Iowa Parks Foundation $2.0 million $0 $2.0 million This budgeting unit is to promote parks in Iowa. The funds are provided for a Regional Parks pilot project to pay for engineering and construction of park amenities like trails, shelters, silt basins, cabins and other infrastructure intended to improve utilization parks projects at State, county and city parks within each region. Department of Public Defense Major Maintenance at National Guard Armories and Facilities $2.0 million $2.0 million $2.0 million This budgeting unit is for major maintenance at National Guard armories and facilities. State funds are matched 1:1 with federal funds. Funds provide major maintenance to the National Guard s readiness centers. Projects include roof repairs, upgrades to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, additional classroom and office space, and other major maintenance and improvement projects at all 43 armories and numerous other buildings that are maintained by the Iowa National Guard. Department of Public Defense Construction Improvements at Statewide Readiness Centers $2.0 million $2.0 million $2.0 million This budgeting unit is for construction improvements at statewide readiness centers. State funds have been matched 1:1 with federal funds. The initial federal funds, known as "Murtha funds," were part of a one-time increase of $94,900,000 that was made available through the federal FY 2008 Department of Defense Appropriation Act to accelerate the modernization of critical operational and support facilities. Funds from prior years were used to improve readiness centers in Oelwein, Charles City, Perry, Audubon, Knoxville, Iowa City, Washington, and Camp Dodge Joint Forces Miller Armory. Improvements include upgrading roofs, HVAC systems, and other building components. 6

7 Department of Public Defense Construction Improvements at the Camp Dodge Facility $0 $500,000 $500,000 This budgeting unit will support improvements to the sanitary and storm sewer on Camp Dodge. These funds match federal grants, with the State providing 15% and federal funds providing 85%. Department of Public Safety Radio Communications Equipment Replacement $0 $0 $4.0 million This appropriation will go to purchase radio communications equipment for the Department of Public Safety. This appropriation is for the first payment of the Iowa statewide interoperable communications system, which has been in planning since This will replace the antiquated VHF radio systems currently in use by State agencies that have been in place for decades. The system will also provide interoperable communications between State and local users. The use of the infrastructure will be offered to local agencies with no recurring cost. Currently, the State is working under an extension from the FCC for the 700 MHz spectrum. This extension expires in June, and the State must show it is making progress on the system, or face the possibility of losing the spectrum. Board of Regents Tuition Replacement $29.7 million $30,237,549 $30,237,549 $0 $33,473,351 $33,473,351 This budgeting unit is for tuition replacement. The Tuition Replacement appropriation replaces the student tuition and fees that would be required to pay the debt service on academic revenue bonds authorized in prior fiscal years. Iowa Code chapter 262A authorizes the sale of Academic Revenue Bonds and was enacted in the 1969 Legislative Session. The first academic revenue bonds were issued in 1970 and provided the primary source of funds for construction of academic facilities at the universities for several decades. The academic revenue bonds issued by the Board of Regents are secured by student tuition and fees and are considered to be independent and not part of State obligations. The State regularly provides an appropriation to the Board of Regents and pays most of the debt service on the academic revenue bonds through the appropriation process and has done so for many years (decades). The appropriation is not mandatory by statute, but the Board of Regents has previously indicated that without a tuition replacement appropriation, an aggregate increase of 5 percent in tuition across the universities would be required to pay the debt service. The General Assembly provides the appropriation to keep tuition costs lower for students. The tuition replacement appropriation provides most of the annual debt service, but a portion of the debt service is paid from reserve fund interest. 7

8 Department of Transportation Multi-Use Trails $6.0 million $2.5 million $3.0 million $0 $2.5 million $2.5 million This budgeting unit is for recreational trails. Funds for the Program are used for grants for statewide recreational trails. The trail system is approximately 1,505 miles, including multiuse trails and off-road paths. A local match of 25 percent is required in accordance with the DOT administrative rules. Trails that receive funding must be maintained for public use for a minimum of 20 years. Applications for funding from the trails program are considered twice per year and are approved by the Transportation Commission. Department of Transportation Public Transit Vertical Infrastructure $1.5 million $1.5 million $1.5 million $0 $1.5 million $1.5 million This budgeting unit is for public transit vertical infrastructure. Grants are provided for infrastructure-related projects at the 35 public transit agencies throughout the State. The transit agencies are eligible to apply for the grants that are approved through the Transportation Commission and the projects must meet the definition of vertical infrastructure. The State match requirement is up to 80 percent. Funds have been used for capital projects such as new bus storage buildings, administrative buildings, maintenance facilities, storage buildings, reconstruction of steam cleaning areas, vehicle storage and wash bays, as well as replacing roofs or other improvements. Department of Transportation Commercial Service Air Vertical Infrastructure $1.5 million $1.5 million $1.5 million $0 $1.5 million $1.5 million This budgeting unit is for commercial service air vertical infrastructure. Of the 109 publicly-owned airports in the State, eight are commercial service airports. They are located in Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, and Waterloo. Typically, the funds are distributed by a 50/40/10 formula, so in this case $750,000 of the funds appropriated will be allocated equally between each of the commercial service airports, $600,000 will be allocated based on the percentage of enplaned passengers during the previous fiscal year, and $150,000 will be allocated based on the proportion of air cargo tonnage at each airport during the previous fiscal year. Airports submit an application for specific projects for approval by the Transportation Commission. No local match is required. 8

9 Department of Transportation General Aviation Vertical Infrastructure $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 This budgeting unit is for general aviation vertical infrastructure. General aviation vertical infrastructure projects receive State matching grants of up to 85 percent of the total project costs, with a minimum level of $5,000 in State match to be considered. Projects include landside development and renovation of airport terminals, hangars, maintenance buildings, and fuel facilities. These grants are available only to general aviation airports. Of the 109 publicly-owned airports in the State, 101 are general aviation airports that are eligible to apply for the grants. Department of Transportation Railroad Revolving Loans and Grant Fund $4.0 million $2.0 million $3.0 million $0 $2.0 $2.0 million This budgeting unit is for railroad revolving loans and grants. The funds are used to provide grants and loans for construction and improvements to railroad facilities, such as railroad main lines, branch lines, switching yards, sidings, rail connections, intermodal yards, and highway grade separations. The Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program is geared toward job growth and economic development so many of the grants have gone to construct spur lines that service ethanol and biodiesel plants. The Program has three eligible funding categories that are targeted job creation, rail network improvement, and rail port planning and development. Industries, railroads, local governments, or economic development agencies are eligible to apply for grants and loans from the Program. Treasurer of the State County Fair Infrastructure Improvements $1.06 million $1.06 million $1.06 million $0 $1.06 million $1.06 million This budgeting unit is for county fair infrastructure improvements. Funds are used for vertical infrastructure improvements at the 105 county fairs in the Association. County fairs will receive $10,095 each. Examples of recent projects with the funding include renovations to sheep barns, grandstand roofs, offices, adding ADA compliant restrooms and showers, new hoop buildings, new cattle barns, repairs due to storm damage, new community centers and exhibit buildings, renovations to main auditoriums, and remodeling of horse barns. 9

10 Iowa Veterans Home Emergency Fuel Tanks for Boilers and Generators $0 $1.8 million $1.8 million This budgeting unit will go to the Iowa Veterans Home to replace emergency fuel tanks for boilers and power generators, and to install spill containment. This funding will replace three 15,000 gallon emergency fuel tanks that power the boilers and generators. Appropriated moneys will also fund piping for an installation of the emergency fuel tanks. The current fuel tanks were installed in the 1970s with no spill containment installed, as such, the tanks do not comply with EPA and DNR regulations. Iowa Veterans Home Malloy Laundry Facilities $0 $3.0 million $3.0 million These funds will be used to remodel the existing laundry area and basement to accommodate commercial laundry equipment. The appropriation will also fund replacement of the washer, dryer and ironer. Currently, the space is not large enough to allow the passage of modern commercial laundry equipment, and building modifications are required to allow replacements. Iowa Veterans Home Air Handler Replacement Units $0 $6.0 million $6.0 million This budgeting unit will be used to replace 11 air handling units in the Sheeler, Loftus, Malloy and Dack buildings. The air handlers currently in these buildings are the originals, and we installed as early as Iowa Veterans Home Loftus Hall ADA Improvements $0 $500,000 $500,000 This is a new appropriation for FY 2017, and the funds will be used to renovate the ramp between the Loftus and Malloy buildings to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Iowa Veterans Home Scheeler and Loftus Renovation $0 $2.0 million $2.0 million This is a new appropriation for FY 2017, and the funds will be used for tuckpointing, foundation repair and cast iron pipe replacement. SECTION 2 Reversions This section requires nonreversion of the funds appropriated from the RIIF in Division I remain for four fiscal years. Funds appropriated for FY 2016 will remain available for expenditure through FY Funds appropriated for FY 2017 will remain available for expenditure through FY

11 DIVISION II MISCELLANEOUS APPROPRIATIONS SECTION 3 Revenue Bonds Capitals II Funds This section appropriates $4,646,841 of the Revenue Bonds Capitals II funds to the Department of Administrative Services for major maintenance projects for a total of $20,646,841 going towards major maintenance throughout the bill. Further, this section states all other remaining or unobligated funds in the balance in the Revenue Bonds Capitals II Fund to be appropriated to the Department of Administrative Services for the FY2016 for major maintenance projects. DIVISION III CHANGES TO PRIOR APPROPRIATIONS SECTION 4 RECAT Reversion This section extends the reversion date for the $9.2 million appropriation made to the River Enhancement Community Attraction Tourism Fund (RECAT) from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2017, or until the funds are expended, whichever is earlier. SECTION 5 Board of Regents Special School Reversion This section extends the reversion date of a $2.0 million appropriation for the Board of Regents Special School from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2018 or until the funds are expended. The funds were appropriated to fund the deductible on property insurance and to provide the necessary match for funds from FEMA for the cleanup, repair and restoration of facilities at the School for the Deaf and the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School due to storm damage in SECTION 6 Board of Regents UNI Schindler Education Center This section reallocates the RIIF appropriations for the Schindler Education Center at the University of Northern Iowa and accelerates the funding from three to two years. This provision increases the FY 2016 and FY 2017 appropriations by $4.0 million and $2.3 million respectively, and eliminates the $6.3 million appropriation for FY This change is intended to save approximately $2.0 million in construction costs due to the anticipated inflationary increases associated with the current funding schedule. FY 16 FY 16 FY 16 FY 16 Current Governor s Request Senate House File 650 $11.0 million $15.0 million $15.0 million FY 17 FY 17 FY 17 FY 17 Current Governor s Request Senate House File 650 $13.0 million $15.9 million $15.9 million SECTION 7 Effective Upon Enactment This section states that all sections under Division III are effective upon enactment. 11

12 Amendment Analysis H-1251 by Hunter: This amendment will take up to $500,000 from the water quality initiative appropriation to go to grants for waste water utilities subject to permitting under the national pollutant discharge elimination system to reimburse such utilities direct costs of operating nitrate removal systems. H-1254 by Huseman: This amendment changes the wording for multi-purpose trails, to multi-use/purpose recreational trails to match language that is currently codified regarding recreational trails (Iowa Code 8.57). It also strikes duplicate language relating to the ag drainage wells, as it is outlined in two places. Finally, it clarifies the rural YMCA appropriation to ensure that both YMCAs and its branches in the rural communities (population under 28,000) are able to receive the appropriated money. H-1257 by Highfill: This amendment changes the definition of for the DPS Construction Improvements at Statewide Readiness Centers to allow the Iowa National Guard to secure land around its installations to ensure its ability to training and perform military operations into the future. H-1250 by Worthan: This amendment clarifies the $4 million appropriation to the Department of Public Safety, stating the money will go toward the radio communications network and its equipment. H-1255 by T. Taylor: This amendment allows money budgeted to the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Fund to also be used for railroad-related safety improvements. 12