SF 2563

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 04/01/2016 08:36am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; directing the Board of Water and Soil Resources
to coordinate goals and strategies for the Minnesota River basin; appropriating
money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103B.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [103B.70] MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN PLAN DEVELOPMENT
AND COORDINATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Coordination. new text end

new text begin The Board of Water and Soil Resources shall develop
and coordinate Minnesota River basin goals and strategies for sediment reduction, flow
reduction, and nutrient reduction. The goals and strategy must be completed by December
31, 2017.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Comprehensive watershed management plans. new text end

new text begin Comprehensive
watershed management plans developed under section 103B.801 for the 13 major
watersheds within the Minnesota River basin must include the goals and strategies
developed under subdivision 1. The comprehensive watershed management plans for the
13 major watersheds within the Minnesota River basin must be completed by December
31, 2020. If a comprehensive watershed management plan is not completed by December
31, 2020, or the Board of Water and Soil Resources determines a plan is not being
implemented for any of the 13 major watersheds, the county or counties within the
watershed shall petition for the establishment of a watershed district under chapter 103D.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Local advisory committee. new text end

new text begin The Board of Water and Soil Resources shall
establish a local advisory committee to advise the board in developing goals and strategies
under subdivision 1. The advisory committee must be representative of the 13 major
watersheds within the Minnesota River basin and must represent the diversity of interests
and sectors in the Minnesota River basin. Members of the Minnesota River Congress must
be appointed to the advisory committee. The board shall convene a meeting of the local
advisory committee at least once annually.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2018, and every two years thereafter, the Board
of Water and Soil Resources shall report to the legislature, as provided in section 3.195,
on the goals and strategies developed by the board for the Minnesota River basin and the
progress in meeting those goals and strategies.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $1,250,000 in fiscal year 2017 is appropriated from the ..... fund to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources for implementation of Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.70. Of
this amount, $1,000,000 is for grants of up to $250,000 to local government units within
a single watershed in the Minnesota River basin to initiate comprehensive watershed
management plans under Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.801.
new text end