HF 3493

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/12/2024 12:00pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money for manure management grants.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MANURE MANAGEMENT GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Water
and Soil Resources for a grant program to enhance groundwater protection and reduce
greenhouse gases associated with agriculture. For grants under this section, priority must
be given to areas with high groundwater nitrate levels or geology conducive to groundwater
pollution, such as those shown on the Department of Agriculture's vulnerable groundwater
area map.
new text end

new text begin (b) Funded activities may include projects that limit agricultural use of vulnerable land,
such as establishing karst feature buffers or conservation easements, and cost-share assistance
for constructing manure management and storage facilities. All funded projects must be
designed to result in improved water quality or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Feedlot
grant recipients must agree to prepare and complete a nutrient management plan and must
operate at fewer than 1,000 animal units. Grants for expanded liquid manure storage capacity
must not exceed 12 months of storage based on current animal numbers. Anaerobic digesters
are not eligible for grants under this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) The grant program must prioritize applicants that will manage nutrient application
using the Pollution Control Agency's latest published manure management tool and that
will comply with the land application requirements and vulnerable field restrictions applicable
to permitted feedlots in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (d) The board may use this appropriation to match federal money. The board must ensure
that grant agreements include terms necessary to document implementation of approved
plans and activities.
new text end

new text begin (e) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end