1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to water; appropriating money to study managed aquifer recharge; requiring 
1.3 	a report.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE.
 1.6 	(a) $350,000 in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
1.7 	Environmental Quality Board for a grant to the Board of Regents of the University of 
1.8 	Minnesota, Water Resources Center, for a comprehensive study of the economic benefits 
1.9 	of managed aquifer recharge and to make recommendations to enhance and replenish 
1.10 	Minnesota's groundwater resources. This is a onetime appropriation.
1.11 	(b) The study must include, but is not limited to:
1.12 	(1) examining the potential benefits of enhancing groundwater recharge in water-stressed 
1.13 	areas;
1.14 	(2) assessing the relationship to changing seasonality and intensity of precipitation on 
1.15 	groundwater recharge rates;
1.16 	(3) reviewing the approaches to manage recharge in geologically appropriate areas;
1.17 	(4) identifying policy options, costs, and barriers to recharging groundwater; and
1.18 	(5) assessing the economic returns of options for groundwater recharge.
1.19 	(c) In conducting the study, the Water Resources Center must convene a stakeholder 
1.20 	group and provide for public participation. By January 15, 2021, the Water Resources Center 
1.21 	must present its findings and recommendations in a report submitted to the chairs of the 
2.1 	legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources 
2.2 	policy.