as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 10/30/2020 09:17am
A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money for wetland replacement credits
for local government roads.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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$....... in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Water
and Soil Resources to acquire wetland banking credits to replace wetlands drained or filled
as a result of repairing, reconstructing, replacing, or rehabilitating existing public roads as
required by Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.222, subdivision 1, paragraph (m). The board
may vary the priority order of Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.222, subdivision 3, paragraph
(a), to implement the wetland replacement program when consistent with the watershed
approach of section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. The purchase price paid for acquiring
wetland credits must be determined by the board. The board may enter into agreements with
the federal government, other state agencies, political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations,
fee title owners, or other qualified private entities to acquire wetland replacement credits
in accordance with Minnesota Rules, chapter 8420. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2025. Of this appropriation, up to $....... is available to develop the
required elements of an in-lieu fee wetland mitigation program in accordance with Minnesota
Statutes, section 103G.2242, subdivision 3, and up to $....... is available for mitigation
easement stewardship in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.103, subdivision
3.
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