Budget cuts to blame for DNR compliance issues, Culver says

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Gov. Chet Culver says budget cuts are to blame for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources's failure to comply with over a dozen state laws.

The Legislative Services Agency says lawmakers allocated $51.5 million to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

That number fell to $35.9 million for the current year. Most of the department's budget comes from fees and federal funds.

A state audit released Monday says the agency hasn't adequately tackle 16 different issues, such as the treatment of infectious waste.

Department of Natural Resources director Richard Leopold says instances of inaction identified by the audit have never endangered public safety.

Culver says he's with Leopold and his team "100 percent."