SPRINGFIELD - About 200 state employees began working under a new boss Tuesday as part of a $15.8 million reorganization plan affecting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Under legislation signed into law Monday, workers at the state natural history survey, water survey, geological survey and the waste management and research center were moved from the department to the University of Illinois.

For most, it was a transfer on paper only. Few if any workers will have to relocate because of the change, since the surveys already were located in Champaign-Urbana.

Department spokesman Chris McCloud said the switch in oversight from the department to the university makes sense because the university has created a new institute for the study of natural sciences.

The surveys are hopeful that the move gives them the opportunity to do more and better research on their areas of expertise, said Kenneth Kunkel, interim director of the state water survey.

"We're hoping that moving to the university will provide opportunity we might not have had otherwise," Kunkel said.

The legislation, Senate Bill 970, was sponsored by state Rep. Mike Frerichs, D-Gifford, and co-sponsored by state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.

"I think the mission of the surveys is more aligned with the university," Frerichs said.

The surveys provide research and data to the state aimed at helping officials make decisions about water, geology and natural history.

For workers, the switch generally will result in a new signature on their paycheck, rather than any major management changes.

"There weren't any big concerns among employees," Kunkel said.

Frerichs added: "This is something the employees are happy about."

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.