1. (a) The General Assembly finds that, from fiscal year 1991 through fiscal year 1998, inadequate resources have been provided for the soil conservation districts to employ adequate field personnel to assist farmers in the preparation of soil conservation and water quality plans.
2. (b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide sufficient technical assistance and resources through the soil conservation districts to assist farmers in pursuit of soil conservation and water quality plans and other activities authorized under this title.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an amount sufficient to employ not less than 110 field personnel in the soil conservation districts under this title.

   2. (2) The appropriation for the 23 soil conservation districts shall be as follows:

      1. (i) For fiscal year 2008, $8,800,000;
      2. (ii) For fiscal year 2009, $9,200,000;
      3. (iii) For fiscal year 2010, $9,600,000; and
      4. (iv) For fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter, $10,000,000.

Added by Acts 1998, c. 324, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998. Amended by Acts 1998, c. 325, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998; Acts 2006, c. 289, § 1, eff. June 1, 2006; Acts 2024, c. 691, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.