HB2539 Summary

• Appropriates $15,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2022-2023 to the nonnative vegetation species eradication fund for invasive species removal and habitat restoration projects along the Gila River between the western boundary of Avondale and State Route 85 bridge.

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management serves as fiscal agent and contractor for the projects, with authority to subcontract services under title 34, chapter 6, article 1 to expedite completion.

• Department shall coordinate with state land department, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and provide grants to state agencies, cities, towns, counties, Indian tribes, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for nonnative vegetation eradication projects.

• Department must establish application procedures and qualification criteria for grants, awarded in accordance with title 41, chapter 24.

• Department shall report annually by September 1 to the joint legislative budget committee and governor's office of strategic planning and budgeting on expenditures, project benefits, status, and projected completion timelines; unencumbered funds remaining on June 30, 2025 revert to the general fund.