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2007 September Special Session - September 5
The September Special Session called by the Governor to address firefighting costs concluded in just one day. Compromises between the two chambers and parties made this possible.
Although the final costs for this year's fires is still unknown, the lawmakers approved $39 million for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to pay for the current fiscal year. Another $3 million was approved for the Department of Military Affairs.
$40 million was set aside to pay firefighting costs for the next fiscal year (fiscal years begin July 1 and end June 30).
The bill has a sunset and study provision, so the Legislature will be discussing the firefighting issues in the 2009 Session.
There is an excellent discussion on how the state pays for firecosts and an analysis of the proposed special session budget in the links below.
Fiscal Information on Wildfire Suppression
Legislative Budget Analysis
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