HF 690

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/09/2015 02:05pm

A bill for an act
relating to waters; appropriating money for feasibility study of section 404
permit program.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SECTION 404 PERMIT PROGRAM
FEASIBILITY STUDY.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2016 from the general fund to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources and the commissioner of natural resources to study the
feasibility of the state assuming administration of the section 404 permit program of the
federal Clean Water Act. The study must:
new text end

new text begin (1) include an estimate of the costs to the state and savings to local governments of
assuming administration of the permit program, including staffing costs;
new text end

new text begin (2) identify the potential speed and efficiencies to be gained through state
administration of the permit program and include a cost-benefit analysis;
new text end

new text begin (3) identify administrative changes necessary to permit the assumption;
new text end

new text begin (4) identify the administrative simplification that could be accomplished by unifying
administration of section 404, the Wetlands Conservation Act, and public water wetlands;
new text end

new text begin (5) include language to define "wetland"; and
new text end

new text begin (6) recommend how to meet federal requirements for state section 404 permit
assumption.
new text end

new text begin (b) A steering committee shall provide oversight of the study and include:
new text end

new text begin (1) one representative appointed by the Board of Water and Soil Resources;
new text end

new text begin (2) one representative appointed by the commissioner of natural resources;
new text end

new text begin (3) one representative appointed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers;
new text end

new text begin (4) two representatives appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties,
including one county engineer and one member of a technical evaluation panel
representing a local government unit;
new text end

new text begin (5) one representative appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities;
new text end

new text begin (6) one representative of soil and water conservation districts appointed by the
executive director of the Board of Water and Soil Resources, in consultation with the soil
and water conservation districts;
new text end

new text begin (7) one representative of wetland bank operators appointed by the executive director
of the Board of Water and Soil Resources in consultation with the operators;
new text end

new text begin (8) three representatives of environmental organizations appointed by the executive
director of the Board of Water and Soil Resources in consultation with the organizations;
new text end

new text begin (9) two representatives appointed by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce,
including one from the mining industry and one from the forestry industry;
new text end

new text begin (10) one representative appointed by the Associated General Contractors of
Minnesota; and
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new text begin (11) one representative appointed by the American Council of Engineering
Companies of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (c) By January 15, 2016, the Board of Water and Soil Resources must report the
study to the legislative policy and finance committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over environment and natural resources.
new text end