Legislation the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts says is needed to ensure federal funds are utilized effectively to help farmers could receive a final vote in the House of Representatives next week.

House Rules Committee Chairman Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, selected SB 192 by Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, for Tuesday’s Special Order Calendar. The measure would allow state officials to better target conservation and irrigation funding to high-impact projects.

Under existing law, the Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission is authorized to spend its revolving fund for the operation of the commission and related purposes. Any remaining funds may be allocated to local soil and water conservation districts, with each district receiving at least 1 percent of the surplus. SB 192 and the companion, HB 309 by Rep. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, removes the 1 percent restriction. (Federation Supports)