Total annual funding to state geological surveys is rising sharply

The 2023 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Joeckel of NE indicates that FY22 revenue to state geological surveys was $265M, with total staff of 1883 FTE; current estimates for FY23 are $308M and 1993 staff. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY22 funding was half state-derived, and 22% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. An upswing in federal funding is underway, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $57M in FY23. However, several states are seeing an even stronger surge in state funding. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 32%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.