as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 08/21/2015 03:43pm
A bill for an act
relating to capital investment; appropriating money for the conservation reserve
enhancement program; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) $25,000,000 is appropriated from the bond
proceeds fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire conservation easements
from landowners to preserve, restore, create, and enhance wetlands and riparian lands,
and restore and enhance rivers and streams, and associated uplands, in order to protect
soil and water quality, support fish and wildlife habitat, reduce flood damage, and provide
other public benefits. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515, apply to
this program.
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(b) The board shall give priority to leveraging federal funds by enrolling targeted new
lands or enrolling environmentally sensitive lands that leverage federal conservation funds.
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(c) The board is authorized to enter into new agreements and amend past agreements
with landowners as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515, subdivision 5, to
allow for restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement. Of this appropriation, up to five
percent may be used for restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement.
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To provide the money appropriated in this section from the
bond proceeds fund, the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue
bonds of the state in an amount up to $25,000,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with
the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the
Minnesota Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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