FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 20, 2023
Time Requested: 11:27 AM
Agency: Environmental Protection, Department of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2951 Introduced HB2896
CBD Subject: Health


FUND(S):

Special Fund

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Creates New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


HB2896 creates the State Radiation Control Agency under the direction of the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This bill, in effect, creates a whole new division under the DEP and, as such, would required a complete staff of environmental specialist, inspectors, and office personnel. It is estimated, at a minimum, that the first year of operation would cost $1.23 million to establish the new agency and $1.1 million every year after. DEP does not currently have the data on the number of sites or equipment that would require inspection or oversight, so the number of needed employees could be significantly higher. SB2896 does provide a revenue stream through permitting and licensing. However, as stated above, DEP does not know the number of radiation producing equipment in the state and therefore cannot provide a reasonable estimate for the amount of revenue that would be generated by this new agency's programs. If the license and permit fees do not cover the cost, then DEP does not have funding to cover any overage of cost in administering the program.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 1,236,162 1,108,912
Personal Services 0 664,640 664,640
Current Expenses 0 376,552 376,522
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 195,000 67,750
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The Personal Services would consist of a starting minimal staff of eight employees: Director required position, per 22-34-7(b) $90,000 Environmental Resource Specialist (3 positions x $62,000) $186,000 evaluate/control hazards, ensure compatibility with federal regulations Environmental Inspectors (2 positions x $58,000) $116,000 conduct radiation inspections Administrative Services Assistants (2 positions x $52,000) $104,000 maintain licensure and permit responsibilities, maintain databases Fringe Benefits @ 34% $168,640 Total Personal Services $664,640 Current Expenses consist of: Office supplies, Travel, Vehicle Maintenance, Uniforms/Protective Gear, Rent, Utilities, Teleph $226,522 Contractual Services for ongoing studies and research $150,000 Total Current Expenses $376,522 Equipment consist of: First Year Future Years Radiation Inspection Equipment $15,000 $3,750 Computers (x8) $24,000 $12,000 Vehicles (x3) $150,000 $50,000 Cell Phones (x6) $6,000 $2,000 Total Equipment Costs $195,000 $67,750 Future years for equipment represent annual depreciable costs to be recovered on future purchases of replacement equipment. The new agency is expected to generate revenue through licensing and permitting, however without knowing the number of services/equipment that would require licensing or permitting, DEP is unable to make a reasonable estimate of revenue.



Memorandum


None



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Gary Rogers
    Email Address: Gary.W.Rogers@wv.gov