HF 5121

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/21/2024 02:31pm

A bill for an act
relating to state lands; appropriating money to condemn certain land in Mille Lacs
County and authorizing its transfer for no consideration.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LAND IN MILLE
LACS COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the ..... fund to the commissioner of
natural resources to initiate condemnation proceedings of the lands described in paragraph
(b). The commissioner may use this appropriation for project costs, including but not limited
to valuation expenses, legal fees, closing costs, and transactional staff costs. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until spent.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 92.45, 94.09 to 94.16, or any other
provision of law to the contrary, once condemned under paragraph (a), the commissioner
of natural resources may convey the surplus land bordering public waters that is described
in paragraph (d) to a federally recognized Indian Tribe for no consideration.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner may make necessary changes to the legal description to correct
errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (d) The land that may be conveyed is located in Mille Lacs County and is described as:
Government Lot 2, Section 16, Township 42 North, Range 26 West, including all riparian
rights.
new text end

new text begin (e) The land borders Mille Lacs Lake and is not contiguous to other state lands. The
Department of Natural Resources has determined that the land is not needed for natural
resource purposes and that the state's land management interests would best be served if
the land was returned to Tribal ownership.
new text end