2021-22 Budget Breakdown: Conservation, Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Ag | The Numbers Racket

Continuing our breakdown of the 2021-22 budget approved in June, this week we dive into the numbers for the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Agriculture. 

Let’s take a look.

Conservation & Natural Resources 

•  General Fund changes: 
  • $1.63 million increase for General Government Operations 
  • $2.55 million increase for State Forests Operations 
  • $1 million decrease in Oil & Gas Lease Fund utilization  

Environmental Protection 

General Fund changes:  

• $1.66 million increase for General Government Operations 
• $2.12 million increase for Environmental Program Management 
• $526,000 increase for Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Source Abatement 
• $3.83 million increase for Environmental Protection Operations 
• $4.29 million increase for Black Fly Control & Research
• Water Commissions level funded

Agriculture 

General Fund changes: 

• $34.9 million, a $1.82 million increase for General Government Operations, as proposed by the governor 

Left out of state budget, Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement will ‘maintain minimum services’ with Ag funds

• $3 million increase for State Food Purchase appropriation 

Appropriation provides funding for: 

• State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) – $2 million increase 
• Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) – $1 million increase 
  • Emergency Food Assistance Development Program (TEFAP) 
    • TEFAP Distribution