HF 1141

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/14/2019 03:19pm

A bill for an act
relating to water; appropriating money to study managed aquifer recharge; requiring
a report.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE.
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new text begin (a) $350,000 in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the
Environmental Quality Board for a grant to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Water Resources Center, for a comprehensive study of the economic benefits
of managed aquifer recharge and to make recommendations to enhance and replenish
Minnesota's groundwater resources. This is a onetime appropriation.
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new text begin (b) The study must include, but is not limited to:
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new text begin (1) examining the potential benefits of enhancing groundwater recharge in water-stressed
areas;
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new text begin (2) assessing the relationship to changing seasonality and intensity of precipitation on
groundwater recharge rates;
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new text begin (3) reviewing the approaches to manage recharge in geologically appropriate areas;
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new text begin (4) identifying policy options, costs, and barriers to recharging groundwater; and
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new text begin (5) assessing the economic returns of options for groundwater recharge.
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new text begin (c) In conducting the study, the Water Resources Center must convene a stakeholder
group and provide for public participation. By January 15, 2021, the Water Resources Center
must present its findings and recommendations in a report submitted to the chairs of the
legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources
policy.
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