Purpose

Provide funding from the state general fund to support the Red River mediation agreement by awarding grants. The goal is to help cover part of the costs to implement the mediation agreement.

Main Provisions

• Creates a two-year appropriation from the general fund to the Commissioner of Natural Resources.
• Amounts: $350,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $350,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Use: funds are for grants to cover up to 50 percent of the cost to implement the Red River mediation agreement.
• Administration: grants are awarded by the Commissioner of Natural Resources as part of implementing the mediation agreement.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a new general fund appropriation specifically for the Red River mediation agreement.
• Does not specify other statutory changes; the main effect is to create this funding mechanism for the mediation effort.

Fiscal Impact

• Total appropriation: $700,000 over two fiscal years (FY 2026 and FY 2027).
• Source: general fund.
• Purpose: reduce the remaining cost burden for entities implementing the Red River mediation agreement by providing grants covering up to 50 percent of costs.

Procedural Context

• The bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy.

Summary of Impact

• The bill finances a targeted grant program through a two-year appropriation to help implement the Red River mediation agreement by reimbursing up to half of eligible costs.

Relevant Terms appropriation general fund commissioner of natural resources grants Red River mediation agreement fiscal year 2026 fiscal year 2027 up to 50 percent cost to implement environment and natural resources finance and policy (contextual) two-year funding