(DPL) — The Legislature is currently reviewing Senate Bill 24-12, a pivotal piece of legislation designed to enhance fiscal responsibility and transparency in the development and maintenance of the Commonwealth’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This bill aims to ensure that critical land use planning is conducted with robust financial practices and open, accountable governance.
Senate Bill 24-12 proposes to amend 1 CMC § 2806 (f), making the development and periodic updates of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan contingent upon the availability of dedicated funding. This amendment underscores the Legislature’s commitment to sound financial management and transparent planning processes.
Key provisions of the bill include:
• Mandatory Five-Year Updates: The Comprehensive Land Use Plan must be updated every five years, subject to available funding.
• Dedicated Funding: The Department of Public Lands is required to allocate a minimum of $200,000 annually towards the five-year plan update.
DPL has voiced strong support for the bill’s core principles, particularly the funding contingency, which ensures responsible resource allocation. To further strengthen the financial foundation of the land use plan, DPL has proposed an amendment.
DPL recommends increasing the dedicated funding to $275,000 in the fifth year of the budget cycle. This adjustment would ensure sufficient resources are specifically allocated and available when the comprehensive update is due, aligning financial capacity with the anticipated costs and complexity of the update process.
The amendment is a proactive measure to ensure the Comprehensive Land Use Plan receives the necessary financial support for timely and effective updates. “We believe that increasing the allocation to $275,000 in the designated budget year is both prudent and necessary” stated Secretary of DPL Teresita Santos. “We respectfully request that our comments and proposed amendment be given due consideration during the legislative process” she further stated.
DPL remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote fiscal accountability and transparency in land use planning and management. Senate Bill 24-12 represents a significant step towards achieving these goals, and the proposed amendment will further solidify the financial stability of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan updates.
DPL is prepared to provide further information and engage in discussions to support the successful passage and implementation of this essential legislation.
