HF 1339

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/18/2019 02:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; appropriating money for shade tree replacement.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin (a) $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 and $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2021 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants of up to $500,000 to
cities, counties, towns, and park and recreation boards in cities of the first class for the
following:
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new text begin (1) the development of response plans for shade tree replacement;
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new text begin (2) the treatment, removal, and replacement of publicly owned shade trees damaged by
or lost to forest pests or disease; or
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new text begin (3) to establish a more diverse community forest better able to withstand disease and
forest pests.
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new text begin (b) The commissioner must give priority to grant requests to plan, remove, and replace
trees within emerald ash borer quarantined counties.
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new text begin (c) For the purposes of this appropriation, "shade tree" means a woody perennial grown
primarily for aesthetic or environmental services with minimal to residual timber value and
no intent to harvest it for wood.
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new text begin (d) The appropriation in fiscal year 2020 is available until June 30, 2021.
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