HF 1945

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/09/2023 03:50pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money for reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)
reserve program.

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

Section 1. new text begin REINVEST IN MINNESOTA (RIM) RESERVE PROGRAM;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $9,900,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to acquire conservation easements from landowners to preserve,
restore, create, and enhance wetlands and associated uplands of prairie and grasslands and
to restore and enhance rivers and streams, riparian lands, and associated uplands of prairie
and grasslands in order to protect soil and water quality, support fish and wildlife habitat,
reduce flood damage, and provide other public benefits. Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.515, applies to this program. The board must give priority to leveraging federal money
by enrolling targeted new lands or enrolling environmentally sensitive lands that have
expiring federal conservation agreements. The board may enter into new agreements and
amend past agreements with landowners according to Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515,
subdivision 5, to allow for restoration. Up to $564,000 is for deposit in a monitoring and
enforcement account. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end