[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6298022,"mediaKeyId","2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a","parentId",2505667,"title","TWRA seeks $30M one-time appropriation, continuation of invasive-species and disease positions; committee advances budget 9-0","audioSeconds",3409,"startMs",1051000,"endMs",4460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a&start=1051&end=4460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a/thumbnail_1051000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298022/Tennessee/TWRA-seeks-30M-one-time-appropriation-continuation-of-invasive-species-and-disease-positions-committee-advances-budget-9-0","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298022-60589f416ff7e9b0a48caa9200cc489e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046002&Signature=A0gP6IHvr9s25TkqaqsrcCtkConuL0jpUzX-4~mIhgMkTdnFNwUjEl7KZNZHFq-hmaDsHF5D3PW1tw5pGRX35aq~DkFK~m0dJz7WPSWvSVS-OsG66kXpU1MDrf08sOxx0WAwKeyMy5BiTIb6jfojXKYzB1HF22WSsYcsp6OMFTgc-V-c2c1uBhYn6Gak-WzXgvytMspIDlkzUdJOrZorvdqkNCUpfxWuCrwAUkzabvGrmfqe60DYn8RZG25BNjOVTKan~C4RbVdwQF6S52ncnCQCwNwFjH7Yk52hkJT86TE48fLU7O8eyXK3DHrxqByhFFB89ELp9QmuUokXTNTbKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency asked the Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on Oct. 12 for a one-time $30 million general fund appropriation to address deferred maintenance, capital projects and shooting-range upgrades, and to continue staffing for invasive carp and chronic wasting disease (CWD) response.

Why it matters: TWRA officials said the agency's traditional funding mix ' hunting and fishing license sales, boat registrations, and federal apportionment ' is no longer keeping pace with costs and that the agency faced a roughly $15 million deficit after statewide salary adjustments were funded with general funds for other agencies. The agency said the one-time appropriation would address maintenance backlogs and several facility projects.

Director (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) and top staff briefed senators on the agency's footprint, funding streams and priorities. The agency manages roughly 1.6 million acres in partnership with federal agencies, including about 550,000 acres in state ownership, more than 1,200 boat ramps and about 37 wildlife management areas. The presentation laid out continued requests to fund four positions for an Asian carp coordinator and sample/harvest teams and 10 positions tied to CWD sampling and response.

Deputy Frank Fiske described the agency's carp harvest incentive program (ACHIP) and told the committee commercial harvesters had removed \"north of 32,000,000 pounds\" of carp since the program began. The agency said its strategy includes working with commercial fishermen, exploring feasibility of barriers (bubble curtains and other nonlethal measures) and supporting coordinated planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and TVA.

On CWD, the agency said the disease has been confirmed in 18 Tennessee counties, concentrated mainly west of the Tennessee River; prevalence in core counties has exceeded 22 percent in places and the agency is using targeted removal with USDA APHIS where landowners permit. \"We're trying to slow the spread,\" a deputy said.

TWRA staff also explained fund restrictions: federal apportioned funds require state match and may be spent only on certain activities; the Wetlands Acquisition Fund (real-estate transfer tax revenue) currently may be used only for wetland purchases and associated management and thus has a reserve balance that the agency would like to use more flexibly if statutory restrictions are changed.

Senators asked about wildlife disease, fish stocking and access priorities. The committee discussed vacancies and said TWRA has held roughly 22 officer posts vacant as a cost-saving measure during the budget shortfall; staff said most long-term vacancies were deliberate choices tied to the agency's fiscal response.

The committee voted 9-0 to move the TWRA budget to Finance.

Ending detail: TWRA staff said the agency intends to pursue long-term sustainable funding options, including exploring an earmarked outdoor-products tax used in other states; Director said the current plan of fees and licenses makes Tennessee among the highest-cost license states in the Southeast and that an alternative funding stream could allow fee reductions for customers.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee\tMar 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency asked the Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on Oct. 12 for a one-time $30 million general fund appropriation to address deferred maintenance, capital projects and shooting-range upgrades, and to continue staffing for invasive carp and chronic wasting disease response.","taxTitle","Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",29608,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298027,"Tennessee agriculture commissioner outlines $15M enterprise fund, $25M farmland conservation proposal in budget hearing",1433,635000,2068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a&start=635&end=2068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a/thumbnail_635000.jpg","/articles/6298027/Tennessee/Tennessee-agriculture-commissioner-outlines-15M-enterprise-fund-25M-farmland-conservation-proposal-in-budget-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298027-053d7532cc0272bc7b43840fe5286062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046002&Signature=H8Q~nopQiVn84IM85BeZP6sb28yqWJv8d~NkVDPhBqIQbXzLYL~zEbP5YxgnSclPPgOmdBe6KmWfV8I0gsS-jVG-rsYM1qWu1uPWvCg7l6ASrqy0ET3kBfWhapLvr8W1dfwDN98QDXCMtaskBrAbnBQu92tz-Yky3cmWh1thJ-5Pto75ZpIC4y2GI-HbyMH069MZ~6EU5QzTnQkeW-w0bj0aMIk6zLeyiwNC4UB~i2Otowzz5bhHU8py3dwD81tHPnG05azBY7P5ISCWX63-38HREPS8rzFZ0nkEDwUnnY9o7kzpa~oPjg9Fyyr8s5omBowvEPkfU~sXMJ~yygU7Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher told the Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on Oct. 12 that his agency's proposed FY25-26 budget includes $15 million in recurring cost increases for the Ag Enterprise Fund and a $25 million nonrecurring appropriation for a Farmland Conservation Fund.

The budget presentation, delivered to the committee in an out-of-session agency briefing, also listed a recurring $5 million proposal for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, a $1,866,300 request tied to a state meat inspection program and nonrecurring capital requests of $46,250,000 each for 4-H and FFA facilities.

Why it matters: Hatcher said the Ag Enterprise Fund is among the department's highest-return tools and that the conservation fund would pay for voluntary permanent conservation easements intended to slow loss of family farms. Committee members flagged farm finances, trade risks and workforce concerns as urgent items for the next budget cycle.

Hatcher framed the meat-inspection request as a branding and market-access tool for small processors and producers. Budget director Samantha Wilson told the committee the department plans a funding swap to reduce fees that were included in earlier legislation and instead cover the program with state appropriation. \"We didn't find that advantageous to Tennesseans to have them pay for a state inspection when the federal inspection is free,\" Wilson said.

Committee questioning focused on trade policy, staffing and farmland priorities. Senator Campbell asked about the department's preparations for new tariffs; Hatcher said federal and regional conversations are underway through the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture but that federal policy remains under development. Senator Potey asked about long-term vacancies; Samantha Wilson responded the department has seven positions vacant more than a year, listing business development and forestry roles and saying hemp positions were filled but meat-inspection positions were not established because the revenue to support them had not been secured.

On farmland conservation, Hatcher said he envisions a voluntary, auction-style application system modeled on Pennsylvania's program, where landowners bid a per-acre price for permanent easements. \"I would envision something like that so that you would, you would try to conserve as many acres as you could,\" he said.

State Veterinarian Samantha Beatty also addressed a committee question about avian influenza. Beatty said Tennessee recently ended the quarantine on its last commercially affected premises and is awaiting establishment of disease freedom to resume normal trade; she noted Tennessee has relatively few table-egg layer operations and that much of the national egg shortage reflects depopulation in other states.

The committee voted unanimously to move the Department of Agriculture budget to the Finance Committee. The motion passed 9-0.

What's next: The budget will be considered next by the Finance Committee; Hatcher and his staff said they are available to provide details on contracts and program rollouts if the funding is approved.

Ending detail: During the presentation Hatcher highlighted a recurring theme from the department's SWOT analysis: Tennessee is losing roughly 10 acres of farmland per hour and the aging of farm operators poses a risk to continued production and land stewardship.
","Commissioner Charlie Hatcher presented the Department of Agriculture's FY25-26 budget, seeking recurring and nonrecurring increases including a $15 million Ag Enterprise Fund, a $25 million Farmland Conservation Fund and a $1.866 million state meat inspection request; committee moved the budget to finance by a 9-0 vote.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298012,"Senate committee confirms four appointees to Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission",552,2986000,3538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a&start=2986&end=3538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a/thumbnail_2986000.jpg","/articles/6298012/Tennessee/Senate-committee-confirms-four-appointees-to-Tennessee-Fish-and-Wildlife-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298012-397660bbc58890dc345bf369c68c6b07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046002&Signature=m0SDisH0lvE3ExcXkhtPIV5lzy~quoU2hfwEZVXbwcweBtdJoAiZelMIEMsRsibgpluzgQkdzFCkpUKNW0-Awgg~8ZNweL669QjjPs71XMMFW-9dWsL~FTX6bZxJ8P27oBazKx~JUa1v7kqZist5Fd7P3V1HjXdLDVIr8gMgFiNYIJ-tnrR4FR1w1zl3d6KEIx2oM7M-73dec7Yhl0B9Qam32enrRh01l9iYcRVpEMjPsEh29i0GjGDJY-hQ1EPftnTVE884Lkev~XIC3kRfVX3GzbaWSnpmltHNeKbxOYeU~1XkD-5A3CQ~LM59vbicLiZL0tVcypCWeuB-Ax0CLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on Oct. 12 calendared four gubernatorial or legislative appointees to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The committee heard brief introductions from each candidate and held roll-call votes. The committee calendared the following appointments by unanimous 9-0 margins:

- Hanes Torbert of Johnson City
- Rosemary McElhaney of Nashville (noted as an outdoorswoman active in recruiting female hunters)
- John McCarty of Shelby County
- Steve Jones of Clinton (reappointment)

Why it matters: The Fish and Wildlife Commission sets policy and rulemaking guidance for TWRA and oversees agency land and program decisions affecting hunting, fishing, habitat and public access. Commissioners sit on the 13-member commission appointed by a mix of executive and legislative authority.

During interviews in committee, nominees emphasized recruiting new hunters and anglers, supporting conservation and expanding access. Rosemary McElhaney described her work with land trusts and mentoring female hunters; Hanes Torbert and John McCarty said they will bring outdoor experience and a willingness to learn; Steve Jones cited continuity and prior commission experience.

The committee moved each appointment to the calendar by voice and roll-call votes; each motion recorded nine ayes.

Ending detail: Appointees will be considered by the full Senate when their resolutions reach the Senate calendar.","The Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee voted unanimously to calendar four appointments to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission: Hanes Torbert, Rosemary McElhaney, John McCarty and Steve Jones.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298017,"Senate panel approves bill letting TWRA name infrastructure in exchange for compensation; amendment caps naming agreements at 10 years",3003,3247000,6250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a&start=3247&end=6250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505667-75ff5a5ec318afebe54dd557ab9c057a/thumbnail_3247000.jpg","/articles/6298017/Tennessee/Senate-panel-approves-bill-letting-TWRA-name-infrastructure-in-exchange-for-compensation-amendment-caps-naming-agreements-at-10-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298017-bd6314ac9aa2b061cee5fb39627c80ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046002&Signature=HmnvxD9RWlNk5w0KVPlQx8T3cOg7Z-owKW82KYu5GYdRE9Vojt4L7UOHt67GL~IdnX0Bze2BE~1n8A~F~~tIxVxapFuIohkXtD5IZlrkSlc7r1APhTaEBVATmr71IOyDZRl~bjY9B7xGYDnr3CMXKVjVsKp-puYh6UqmkxObFxIiMVXPRc5EDEG2ElvBU82QN7WGFsqWFUz8ZwTGpd7CR87V9UfeMjr5TIxbc2ZCr5SBwtgNb~SIel1Z7XVm2DaXCPNIW9QI8s1x7BO3BXWyfhORhpOqNRNENxHm8I2tRDjAIXdmOK73LvHN2yqezWu6ZgQHY1yrc~6kw4MFTxf34A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 323, sponsored by Sen. Massey, would authorize the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to enter naming agreements for state-owned TWRA infrastructure such as shooting ranges, hatcheries and education centers in exchange for compensation. The committee adopted a time-limit amendment and moved the bill to calendar.

Why it matters: TWRA and its supporters framed the bill as a tool to expand partnerships and draw private funding for facilities that serve hunters, anglers and outdoor recreation while preserving public oversight. The agency told senators the authority would apply to state-owned infrastructure it manages and that existing naming practices for wildlife management areas would remain unchanged.

During debate, Senator Pote asked for a limit on how long a paid naming arrangement could last. The committee adopted his amendment, which requires that any agreement providing naming rights in exchange for compensation have a term not to exceed 10 years. The committee then held a roll-call vote to adopt the amendment (9 ayes) and later voted 9-0 to calendar the bill as amended.

TWRA legislative director Blair Beatty explained that the agency already accepts private donations and that naming rights tied to a financial contribution would be structured up front with full transparency, including public notice and an open commission process. \"If someone is getting naming rights in consideration of a donation they've made, limit it to 10 years,\" she said in committee discussion.

Legal counsel Sean McMinn read the amendment language aloud for the record. The amendment's text says that if the commission enters into an agreement to name real property, infrastructure or features in exchange for compensation, the term of the agreement must not exceed 10 years.

What's next: The bill as amended will proceed to calendar for further consideration in the Senate.

Ending detail: Sponsors said honorific, noncompensated naming (for example, naming a property for historic reasons) is not the bill's primary target; the statute is intended to cover naming tied to a contribution or partnership and the committee capped commercial-style naming at a 10-year term to ensure future public flexibility.","Senators advanced legislation giving the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission explicit authority to name TWRA-owned infrastructure in exchange for compensation; a late amendment adopted by the committee limits paid naming agreements to 10-year terms and passed 9-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TWRA seeks $30M one-time appropriation, continuation of invasive-species and disease positions; committee advances budget 9-0

Tennessee agriculture commissioner outlines $15M enterprise fund, $25M farmland conservation proposal in budget hearing

Senate committee confirms four appointees to Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission

Senate panel approves bill letting TWRA name infrastructure in exchange for compensation; amendment caps naming agreements at 10 years