1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; appropriating money for wetland replacement credits 
1.3 	for local government roads.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. LOCAL ROAD WETLAND REPLACEMENT; APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	$....... in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Water 
1.7 	and Soil Resources to acquire wetland banking credits to replace wetlands drained or filled 
1.8 	as a result of repairing, reconstructing, replacing, or rehabilitating existing public roads as 
1.9 	required by Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.222, subdivision 1, paragraph (m). The board 
1.10 	may vary the priority order of Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.222, subdivision 3, paragraph 
1.11 	(a), to implement the wetland replacement program when consistent with the watershed 
1.12 	approach of section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. The purchase price paid for acquiring 
1.13 	wetland credits must be determined by the board. The board may enter into agreements with 
1.14 	the federal government, other state agencies, political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, 
1.15 	fee title owners, or other qualified private entities to acquire wetland replacement credits 
1.16 	in accordance with Minnesota Rules, chapter 8420. This is a onetime appropriation and is 
1.17 	available until June 30, 2025. Of this appropriation, up to $....... is available to develop the 
1.18 	required elements of an in-lieu fee wetland mitigation program in accordance with Minnesota 
1.19 	Statutes, section 103G.2242, subdivision 3, and up to $....... is available for mitigation 
1.20 	easement stewardship in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.103, subdivision 
1.21 	3.