GOAL:
Assure effective and efficient management of environmental resources, laws, and programs.

OBJECTIVE:
Ensure adequate and predictable sources and level of funding for environmental programs.

STATUS & TRENDS:
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) budget for 1992 is $58.4 million, representing a slight decrease from the previous 1991 budget of $60.9 million. Budget and staffing data for the period 1985 through 1992 indicate trends showing that for the period 1989 through 1992 general fund allocations have decreased, while federal and other funding sources have increased. The Department is continuing its efforts to ensure an adequate and predictable source and level of funding for its environmental programs. The Department is expanding the dedicated funds supported by fees, securing funding or services from outside sources, and identifying long range capital funding needs and priorities. However, anticipated budget reductions coupled with environ mental program mandates will pose a significant management issue for the Department.

STRATEGIES:

1. Provide funding for appropriate DEP programs from fees paid by users of the programs, thereby reducing reliance on appropriations from the General Fund.
2. Conduct a comprehensive review of the sources and levels of funding and the uses and applications of funds for all fee based programs in order to determine the costs of particular activities and arrive at a fair and adequate fee structure.
3. Determine long-range capital funding needs and priorities for such programs as the state Clean Water Fund, hazardous waste clean-ups, potable water grants, Long Island Sound, land acquisition, spill response, dam repairs, and parks and forests operations and maintenance of facilities.
4. Secure funding necessary to maintain and improve State parks and forests and other DEP buildings and facilities and promote use of volunteers.
5. Ensure adequate and stable staffing levels throughout the DEP.
6. Increase technical expertise and productivity of DEP staff.
7. Consolidate the DEP within a single building and modernize communications, computer and laboratory operations to increase efficiency.
8. Establish a process where environmental penalties are allocated to environmental programs.
9. Establish criteria to use as guidance for funding of environmental betterment projects as part of enforcement settlements.
10. Obtain adequate funding for environmental review teams.
11. Consider fiscal impacts of all State environmental mandated programs and the fiscal cost of ignoring environmental problems.
12. Evaluate the effectiveness of current federal and State financial assistance programs and needs of municipalities, small businesses, and farmers.