Green Space fund update: staff reports $26M closed, $62M approved by resolution and state budget proposals noted

Committee staff presented an updated funding breakdown and project spreadsheet showing $26,000,000 in closed funds and about $62,000,000 in projects approved by resolution that are pending closing. Staff noted the forecast of remaining uncommitted funds and said some reimbursement items had been received and returned to the fund.

Chair McShane and staff also reported that state agencies had included conservation-line items in their FY28 budget proposals that could create additional opportunities for funding; staff called attention to an upcoming State Conservation Bank review (Sept. 23) and to pending closings tied to local approvals. Committee members asked clarifying questions about easement-appraisal practices and closing timelines; staff said appraisers often draft reports pending final recorded easement exhibits.