HF 2439

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 04/21/2025 12:41pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; appropriating money for environment and natural
resources; modifying prior appropriations; modifying disposition of closed landfill
investment fund; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115B.421, subdivision
1; Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, sections 2, subdivisions 1, 2, 7; 3, subdivisions
1, 6; 4.

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

ARTICLE 1

APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2026 new text end		new text begin 2027 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 143,693,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 148,382,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 8,729,000 new text end	new text begin 8,729,000 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 114,627,000 new text end	new text begin 119,316,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 20,247,000 new text end	new text begin 20,247,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner must present the agency's
biennial budget for fiscal years 2028 and 2029
to the legislature in a transparent way by
agency division, including the proposed
budget bill and presentations of the budget to
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over the agency's budget.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Environmental Analysis and Outcomes new text end

new text begin 22,019,000 new text end

new text begin 23,642,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 542,000 new text end	new text begin 542,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 21,272,000 new text end	new text begin 22,895,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 205,000 new text end	new text begin 205,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are for a municipal liaison to
assist municipalities with water quality
standards and NPDES/SDS permitting
processes, including enhanced economic
analysis in the water quality standards
rulemaking processes, identification of
cost-effective permitting opportunities,
simplifying the variance process, and
coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for needed
resources for municipalities to achieve permit
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,153,000 the first year and $1,153,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for an air-monitoring program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.454, including
ambient air for hazardous pollutants, and for
operating a mobile emissions regulatory
monitoring trailer.
new text end

new text begin (c) $140,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for monitoring water quality
and operating assistance programs.
new text end

new text begin (d) $109,000 the first year and $109,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for duties related to harmful chemicals in
children's products under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116.9401 to 116.9407. Of this
amount, $70,000 the first year and $70,000
the second year are transferred to the
commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (e) $132,000 the first year and $132,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,519,000 the first year and $1,519,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to continue perfluorochemical
biomonitoring in eastern metropolitan
communities, as recommended by the
Environmental Health Tracking and
Biomonitoring Advisory Panel, and to address
other environmental health risks, including air
quality. The communities must include Hmong
and other immigrant farming communities.
Of this amount, up to $1,248,000 the first year
and $1,248,000 the second year are for transfer
to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (g) $62,000 the first year and $62,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the listing procedures for impaired waters
required under this act.
new text end

new text begin (h) $74,000 the first year and $74,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (i) $270,000 the first year and $270,000 the
second year are to support communities in
planning to implement projects that will allow
for adaptation for a changing climate.
new text end

new text begin (j) $2,070,000 the first year and $2,070,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to develop and implement a program
related to emerging issues, including
Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,820,000 the first year and $1,820,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to support improved management of data
collected by the agency and its partners and
regulated parties to facilitate decision-making
and public access.
new text end

new text begin (l) $7,000 the first year and $7,000 the second
year are to implement the requirements for
fish kills under Minnesota Statutes, sections
103G.216 and 103G.2165.
new text end

new text begin (m) $1,400,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund to adopt rules and
implement air toxics emissions requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.062.
new text end

new text begin (n) $881,000 the first year and $881,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous air
pollutants in Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington,
and Olmsted Counties.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Industrial new text end

new text begin 22,305,000 new text end

new text begin 25,271,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 250,000 new text end	new text begin 250,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 20,282,000 new text end	new text begin 23,248,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 1,773,000 new text end	new text begin 1,773,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,670,000 the first year and $1,670,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $149,000 the first year and $149,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for transfer to the commissioner of health to
further evaluate the use and reduction of
trichloroethylene around Minnesota and
identify its potential health effects on
communities.
new text end

new text begin (c) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are for implementation of the odor
management requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.064.
new text end

new text begin (d) $140,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for the purposes of the
public informational meeting requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.07,
subdivision 4m.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,625,000 the first year and $2,625,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for prioritizing air regulatory program
work in environmental justice areas.
new text end

new text begin (f) $2,500,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for implementing the
environmental justice cumulative impact
analysis and other requirements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065.
new text end

new text begin (g) $700,000 the first year and $700,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to improve the coordination, effectiveness,
transparency, and accountability of the
environmental review and permitting process.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Municipal new text end

new text begin 10,829,000 new text end

new text begin 10,829,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 223,000 new text end	new text begin 223,000 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 10,516,000 new text end	new text begin 10,516,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $223,000 the first year and $223,000 the
second year are for a municipal liaison to
assist municipalities with water quality
standards and NPDES/SDS permitting
processes, including enhanced economic
analysis in the water quality standards
rulemaking processes, identification of
cost-effective permitting opportunities,
simplifying the variance process, and
coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for needed
resources for municipalities to achieve permit
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for transfer to the Office of Administrative
Hearings to establish sanitary districts.
new text end

new text begin (c) $2,432,000 the first year and $2,432,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for subsurface sewage treatment system
(SSTS) program administration; for
community technical assistance and education,
including grants and technical assistance to
communities for water-quality protection, new
technology review, and enforcement under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 115.55 to 115.58;
and to complete the requirements of Laws
2003, chapter 128, article 1, section 165. Of
this amount, $350,000 each year is for
assistance to counties through grants for SSTS
program administration. A county receiving
a grant from this appropriation must submit
the results achieved with the grant to the
commissioner as part of its annual SSTS
report. Any unexpended balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2027, as
grants or contracts for subsurface sewage
treatment systems, surface water and
groundwater assessments, storm water, and
water-quality protection in this subdivision
are available until June 30, 2030.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Operations new text end

new text begin 13,976,000 new text end

new text begin 14,007,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 3,109,000 new text end	new text begin 3,109,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 8,376,000 new text end	new text begin 8,407,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 2,491,000 new text end	new text begin 2,491,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,124,000 the first year and $1,124,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,109,000 the first year and $3,109,000
the second year are to support agency
information technology services provided at
the enterprise and agency level.
new text end

new text begin (c) $919,000 the first year and $919,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to develop and maintain systems to support
permitting and regulatory business processes
and agency data.
new text end

new text begin (d) $270,000 the first year and $270,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to support current and future career pathways
for underrepresented students.
new text end

new text begin (e) $360,000 the first year and $360,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to support financial planning and analysis to
assist with risk and compliance management
across agency programs and financial systems.
new text end

new text begin (f) $525,000 the first year and $525,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Operations Division legal services that
support compliance programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Remediation new text end

new text begin 16,022,000 new text end

new text begin 16,022,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 628,000 new text end	new text begin 628,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 15,394,000 new text end	new text begin 15,394,000 new text end

new text begin (a) All money for environmental response,
compensation, and compliance in the
remediation fund not otherwise appropriated
is appropriated to the commissioners of the
Pollution Control Agency and agriculture for
purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section
115B.20, subdivision 2, clauses (1), (2), (3),
(6), and (7). At the beginning of each fiscal
year, the two commissioners must jointly
submit to the commissioner of management
and budget an annual spending plan that
maximizes resource use and appropriately
allocates the money between the two
departments.
new text end

new text begin (b) $4,622,000 the first year and $4,622,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) $316,000 the first year and $316,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
transfer to the commissioner of health for
private water-supply monitoring and health
assessment costs in areas contaminated by
unpermitted mixed municipal solid waste
disposal facilities and drinking water
advisories and public information activities
for areas contaminated by hazardous releases.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Resource Management and Assistance new text end

new text begin 45,715,000 new text end

new text begin 45,784,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 370,000 new text end	new text begin 370,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 45,345,000 new text end	new text begin 45,784,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Up to $150,000 the first year and $150,000
the second year may be transferred from the
environmental fund to the small business
environmental improvement loan account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for competitive recycling
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.565. Of this amount, $300,000 the first
year and $300,000 the second year are from
the general fund, and $700,000 the first year
and $700,000 the second year are from the
environmental fund. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (c) $694,000 the first year and $694,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for emission-reduction activities and grants to
small businesses and other
nonpoint-emission-reduction efforts. Of this
amount, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year are to continue work with
Clean Air Minnesota, and the commissioner
may enter into an agreement with
Environmental Initiative to support this effort.
new text end

new text begin (d) $18,450,000 the first year and $18,450,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for SCORE block grants to counties.
new text end

new text begin (e) $119,000 the first year and $119,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for environmental assistance grants or loans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716.
new text end

new text begin (f) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for grants to develop and expand recycling
markets for Minnesota businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (g) $770,000 the first year and $770,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for reducing and diverting food waste,
redirecting edible food for consumption, and
removing barriers to collecting and recovering
organic waste. Of this amount, $500,000 each
year is for grants to increase food rescue and
waste prevention. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (h) $2,811,000 the first year and $2,811,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.844.
new text end

new text begin (i) $474,000 the first year and $474,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address chemicals in products, including to
implement and enforce flame retardant
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.071, and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.075. Of this amount, $80,000 the first
year and $80,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (j) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Minnesota GreenCorps investment.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,115,000 the first year and $1,115,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for implementation of the PFAS
requirements under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.943. Of this amount, $468,000 the
first year and $468,000 the second year are
for transfer to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (l) Any unencumbered grant and loan balances
in the first year do not cancel but are available
for grants and loans in the second year.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or
before June 30, 2027, as contracts or grants
for environmental assistance awarded under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716;
technical and research assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.152;
technical assistance under Minnesota Statutes,
section 115A.52; and pollution prevention
assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section
115D.04, are available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Watershed new text end

new text begin 11,325,000 new text end

new text begin 11,325,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 2,959,000 new text end	new text begin 2,959,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 7,982,000 new text end	new text begin 7,982,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 384,000 new text end	new text begin 384,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,959,000 the first year and $2,959,000
the second year are for grants to delegated
counties to administer the county feedlot
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
116.0711, subdivisions 2 and 3. Money
remaining after the first year is available for
the second year.
new text end

new text begin (b) $129,000 the first year and $129,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any unencumbered grant and loan balances
in the first year do not cancel but are available
for grants and loans in the second year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Environmental Quality Board new text end

new text begin 1,502,000 new text end

new text begin 1,502,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 1,276,000 new text end	new text begin 1,276,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 226,000 new text end	new text begin 226,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must transfer up to
$24,000,000 the first year and $24,000,000
the second year from the environmental fund
to the remediation fund for purposes of the
remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.155, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of management and
budget must transfer $100,000 the first year
and each fiscal year thereafter from the general
fund to the metropolitan landfill contingency
action trust account in the remediation fund
to restore the money transferred from the
account as intended under Laws 2003, chapter
128, article 1, section 10, paragraph (e), and
Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1,
article 3, section 17.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin NATURAL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 385,036,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 385,036,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 130,868,000 new text end	new text begin 130,868,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 123,638,000 new text end	new text begin 123,638,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 129,711,000 new text end	new text begin 129,711,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 702,000 new text end	new text begin 702,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Land and Mineral Resources Management new text end

new text begin 10,126,000 new text end

new text begin 10,126,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 5,126,000 new text end	new text begin 5,126,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 4,438,000 new text end	new text begin 4,438,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 344,000 new text end	new text begin 344,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 218,000 new text end	new text begin 218,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $319,000 the first year and $319,000 the
second year are for environmental research
relating to mine permitting, of which $200,000
each year is from the minerals management
account in the natural resources fund and
$119,000 each year is from the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,383,000 the first year and $3,383,000
the second year are from the minerals
management account in the natural resources
fund for use as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 93.2236, paragraph (c), for
mineral resource management, projects to
enhance future mineral income, and projects
to promote new mineral-resource
opportunities.
new text end

new text begin (c) $218,000 the first year and $218,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school fund
and are appropriated from the permanent
school fund to secure maximum long-term
economic return from the school trust lands
consistent with fiduciary responsibilities and
sound natural resources conservation and
management principles.
new text end

new text begin (d) $338,000 the first year and $338,000 the
second year are from the water management
account in the natural resources fund for only
the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.27, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Ecological and Water Resources new text end

new text begin 44,539,000 new text end

new text begin 44,539,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 24,884,000 new text end	new text begin 24,884,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 13,831,000 new text end	new text begin 13,831,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 5,824,000 new text end	new text begin 5,824,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $4,222,000 the first year and $4,222,000
the second year are from the invasive species
account in the natural resources fund and
$2,831,000 the first year and $2,831,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
management, public awareness, assessment
and monitoring research, and water access
inspection to prevent the spread of invasive
species; management of invasive plants in
public waters; and management of terrestrial
invasive species on state-administered lands.
new text end

new text begin (b) $6,056,000 the first year and $6,056,000
the second year are from the water
management account in the natural resources
fund for only the purposes specified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.27,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) $124,000 the first year and $124,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Mississippi
Headwaters Board for up to 50 percent of the
cost of implementing the comprehensive plan
for the upper Mississippi within areas under
the board's jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin (d) $264,000 the first year and $264,000 the
second year are for grants for up to 50 percent
of the cost of implementing the Red River
mediation agreement.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,598,000 the first year and $2,598,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for only the purposes specified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,150,000 the first year and $1,150,000
the second year are from the nongame wildlife
management account in the natural resources
fund for nongame wildlife management.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
290.431, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year may be used for nongame
wildlife information, education, and
promotion.
new text end

new text begin (g) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.943, $48,000 the first year and
$48,000 the second year from the critical
habitat private sector matching account may
be used to publicize the critical habitat license
plate match program.
new text end

new text begin (h) $6,000,000 the first year and $6,000,000
the second year are for the following activities:
new text end

new text begin (1) financial reimbursement and technical
support to soil and water conservation districts
or other local units of government for
groundwater-level monitoring;
new text end

new text begin (2) surface water monitoring and analysis,
including installing monitoring gauges;
new text end

new text begin (3) groundwater analysis to assist with
water-appropriation permitting decisions;
new text end

new text begin (4) permit application review incorporating
surface water and groundwater technical
analysis;
new text end

new text begin (5) precipitation data and analysis to improve
irrigation use;
new text end

new text begin (6) information technology, including
electronic permitting and integrated data
systems; and
new text end

new text begin (7) compliance and monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (i) $410,000 the first year and $410,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund and
$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the general fund for the
Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research
Center at the University of Minnesota to
prioritize, support, and develop research-based
solutions that can reduce the effects of aquatic
invasive species in Minnesota by preventing
spread, controlling populations, and managing
ecosystems and to advance knowledge to
inspire action by others.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Forest Management new text end

new text begin 60,199,000 new text end

new text begin 60,199,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 42,421,000 new text end	new text begin 42,421,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 16,161,000 new text end	new text begin 16,161,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 1,617,000 new text end	new text begin 1,617,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $7,521,000 the first year and $7,521,000
the second year are for prevention,
presuppression, and suppression costs of
emergency firefighting and other costs
incurred under Minnesota Statutes, section
88.12. The amount necessary to pay for
presuppression and suppression costs during
the biennium is appropriated from the general
fund. By January 15 each year, the
commissioner of natural resources must submit
a report to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the house and senate committees
and divisions having jurisdiction over
environment and natural resources finance that
identifies all firefighting costs incurred and
reimbursements received in the prior fiscal
year. These appropriations may not be
transferred. Any reimbursement of firefighting
expenditures made to the commissioner from
any source other than federal mobilizations
must be deposited into the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $15,661,000 the first year and $15,661,000
the second year are from the forest
management investment account in the natural
resources fund for only the purposes specified
in Minnesota Statutes, section 89.039,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,617,000 the first year and $1,617,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund to advance ecological classification
systems (ECS), forest habitat, and invasive
species management.
new text end

new text begin (d) $926,000 the first year and $926,000 the
second year are for the Forest Resources
Council to implement the Sustainable Forest
Resources Act.
new text end

new text begin (e) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the forest management
investment account in the natural resources
fund for forest road maintenance on state
forest roads.
new text end

new text begin (f) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for forest road maintenance
on county forest roads.
new text end

new text begin (g) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are for grants to local and Tribal
governments and nonprofit organizations to
enhance community forest ecosystem health
and sustainability under Minnesota Statutes,
section 88.82. The commissioner may use a
reasonable amount of this appropriation for
administering ReLeaf grants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Parks and Trails Management new text end

new text begin 109,847,000 new text end

new text begin 109,847,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 35,724,000 new text end	new text begin 35,724,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 71,823,000 new text end	new text begin 71,823,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 2,300,000 new text end	new text begin 2,300,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $8,735,000 the first year and $8,735,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for state trail, park, and recreation area
operations. This appropriation is from revenue
deposited in the natural resources fund under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (2).
new text end

new text begin (b) $22,078,000 the first year and $22,078,000
the second year are from the state parks
account in the natural resources fund to
operate and maintain state parks and state
recreation areas.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,300,000 the first year and $1,300,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for park and trail grants to local units of
government on land to be maintained for at
least 20 years for parks or trails. Priority must
be given for projects that are in underserved
communities or that increase access to persons
with disabilities. This appropriation is from
revenue deposited in the natural resources fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (4). Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $9,624,000 the first year and $9,624,000
the second year are from the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural
resources fund for the snowmobile
grants-in-aid program. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,435,000 the first year and $2,435,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for the off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid
program. Of this amount, $1,960,000 each
year is from the all-terrain vehicle account,
$150,000 each year is from the off-highway
motorcycle account, and $325,000 each year
is from the off-road vehicle account. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (f) $2,250,000 the first year and $2,250,000
the second year are from the state land and
water conservation account in the natural
resources fund for priorities established by the
commissioner for eligible state projects and
administrative and planning activities
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
84.0264, and the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are for matching grants for local
parks and outdoor recreation areas under
Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (h) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are for matching grants for local
trail connections under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.019, subdivision 4c.
new text end

new text begin (i) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for projects and activities that connect
diverse and underserved Minnesotans through
expanding cultural environmental experiences,
exploration of their environment, and outdoor
recreational activities. This appropriation is
from revenue deposited in the natural
resources fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, paragraph (j).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Fish and Wildlife Management new text end

new text begin 95,772,000 new text end

new text begin 95,772,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 8,417,000 new text end	new text begin 8,417,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 2,082,000 new text end	new text begin 2,082,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 85,273,000 new text end	new text begin 85,273,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $11,842,000 the first year and $11,842,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund only for activities specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1). Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, five
percent of this appropriation may be used for
expanding hunter and angler recruitment and
retention.
new text end

new text begin (b) $8,546,000 the first year and $8,546,000
the second year are from the deer management
account in the game and fish fund for the
purposes identified in Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.075, subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (c) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for grants
for natural-resource-based education and
recreation programs serving youth under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976. The
commissioner may use a reasonable amount
of this appropriation for administering grants
authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.976. Priority must be given to projects
benefiting underserved communities.
new text end

new text begin (d) Up to $2,225,000 the first year and up to
$2,225,000 the second year are available for
transfer from the critical habitat private sector
matching account to the reinvest in Minnesota
fund for wildlife management areas
acquisition, restoration, and enhancement
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
84.943, subdivision 5, paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (e) $3,532,000 the first year and $3,532,000
the second year are from the general fund and
$1,675,000 the first year and $1,675,000 the
second year are from the game and fish fund
for statewide response and management of
chronic wasting disease. Of this amount, up
to $2,750,000 each year from the general fund
is for inspections, investigations, and
enforcement activities taken for the
white-tailed deer farm program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Enforcement new text end

new text begin 62,738,000 new text end

new text begin 62,738,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 14,075,000 new text end	new text begin 14,075,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 14,193,000 new text end	new text begin 14,193,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 34,353,000 new text end	new text begin 34,353,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,718,000 the first year and $1,718,000
the second year are from the general fund for
enforcement efforts to prevent the spread of
aquatic invasive species.
new text end

new text begin (b) $2,980,000 the first year and $2,980,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for only the purposes specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,442,000 the first year and $1,442,000
the second year are from the water recreation
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to counties for boat and water safety. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $315,000 the first year and $315,000 the
second year are from the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural
resources fund for grants to local law
enforcement agencies for snowmobile
enforcement activities. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the all-terrain vehicle
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to qualifying organizations to assist in safety
and environmental education and monitoring
trails on public lands under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.9011. Grants issued under
this paragraph must be issued through a formal
agreement with the organization. By
December 15 each year, an organization
receiving a grant under this paragraph must
report to the commissioner with details on
expenditures and outcomes from the grant. Of
this appropriation, $25,000 each year is for
administering these grants. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (f) $510,000 the first year and $510,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for grants to county law enforcement
agencies for off-highway vehicle enforcement
and public education activities based on
off-highway vehicle use in the county. Of this
amount, $498,000 each year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account, $11,000 each year
is from the off-highway motorcycle account,
and $1,000 each year is from the off-road
vehicle account. The county enforcement
agencies may use money received under this
appropriation to make grants to other local
enforcement agencies within the county that
have a high concentration of off-highway
vehicle use. Of this appropriation, $25,000
each year is for administering the grants. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) $20,000 the first year and $20,000 the
second year are from the off-highway
motorcycle account in the natural resources
fund for grants to qualifying off-highway
motorcycle organizations to assist in providing
safety and environmental education and
monitoring trails on public lands according to
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.9011. Grants
awarded under this paragraph must be issued
through a formal agreement with the
organization. By December 15 each year, an
organization receiving a grant under this
paragraph must report to the commissioner
with details on how the money was expended
and what outcomes were achieved.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Pass Through Funds new text end

new text begin 1,815,000 new text end

new text begin 1,815,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 1,110,000 new text end	new text begin 1,110,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 484,000 new text end	new text begin 484,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $510,000 the first year and $510,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for grants to be divided equally between
the city of St. Paul for the Como Park Zoo and
Conservatory and the city of Duluth for the
Lake Superior Zoo. This appropriation is from
revenue deposited to the natural resources fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (5).
new text end

new text begin (b) $221,000 the first year and $221,000 the
second year are for the Office of School Trust
Lands.
new text end

new text begin (c) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school fund
and are appropriated from the permanent
school fund for transaction and project
management costs for divesting of school trust
lands within Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Wilderness.
new text end

new text begin (d) $334,000 the first year and $334,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school fund
and are appropriated from the permanent
school fund for the Office of School Trust
Lands.
new text end

new text begin (e) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for parks and trails of regional
significance outside the seven-county
metropolitan area under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.535, based on the recommendations
from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks
and Trails Commission. This appropriation is
from revenue deposited in the natural
resources fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, paragraph (i).
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 15,792,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 15,792,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $3,116,000 the first year and $3,116,000
the second year are for grants and payments
to soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing the purposes of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103C, and for other general
purposes, nonpoint engineering, and
implementation and stewardship of the
reinvest in Minnesota reserve program.
Expenditures may be made from this
appropriation for supplies and services
benefiting soil and water conservation
districts. Any district receiving a payment
under this paragraph must maintain a website
that publishes, at a minimum, the district's
annual report, annual audit, annual budget,
and meeting notices.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,560,000 the first year and $1,560,000
the second year are for the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,460,000 the first year and $1,460,000
the second year are for cost-sharing programs
of soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing projects and practices
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103C.501, including perennially vegetated
riparian buffers, erosion control, water
retention and treatment, water quality
cost-sharing for feedlots and nutrient and
manure management projects in watersheds
where there are impaired waters, and other
high-priority conservation practices; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for invasive species and weed
management programs and to restore native
plants at selected invasive species management
sites.
new text end

new text begin (c) $166,000 the first year and $166,000 the
second year are to provide technical assistance
to local drainage management officials and
for the costs of the Drainage Work Group. The
board must coordinate the activities of the
Drainage Work Group according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 103B.101, subdivision 13.
new text end

new text begin (d) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Red River
Basin Commission for water quality and
floodplain management, including program
administration. This appropriation must be
matched by nonstate funds.
new text end

new text begin (e) $140,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for grants to Area II
Minnesota River Basin Projects for floodplain
management.
new text end

new text begin (f) $240,000 the first year and $240,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District to defray
the annual cost of sustaining the state, national,
and international commercial and recreational
navigation on the lower Minnesota River.
new text end

new text begin (g) $203,000 the first year and $203,000 the
second year are for soil health programming
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.06, and for coordination with the
University of Minnesota Office for Soil
Health.
new text end

new text begin (h) $3,423,000 the first year and $3,423,000
the second year are for natural resources block
grants to local governments to implement the
Wetland Conservation Act and shoreland
management program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103F, and local water
management responsibilities under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103B. The board may reduce
the amount of the natural resources block grant
to a county by an amount equal to any
reduction in the county's general services
allocation to a soil and water conservation
district from the county's previous year
allocation when the board determines that the
reduction was disproportionate.
new text end

new text begin (i) $6,844,000 the first year and $6,844,000
the second year are for agency administration
and operation of the Board of Water and Soil
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (j) The board may shift funds in this section
and may adjust the technical and
administrative assistance portion of the funds
to leverage federal or other nonstate funds or
to address accountability, oversight, local
government performance, or high-priority
needs.
new text end

new text begin (k) The appropriations for grants and payments
in this section are available until June 30,
2029, except returned grants and payments
are available for two years after they are
returned or regranted, whichever is later.
Funds must be used consistent with the
purposes of this section. If an appropriation
for grants in either year is insufficient, the
appropriation in the other year is available for
it.
new text end

new text begin (l) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16B.97, grants awarded from
appropriations in this section are exempt from
the Department of Administration, Office of
Grants Management Policy 08-08 Grant
Payments and 08-10 Grant Monitoring.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 11,490,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 11,490,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 2,540,000 new text end	new text begin 2,540,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 8,950,000 new text end	new text begin 8,950,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,540,000 the first year and $2,540,000
the second year are for metropolitan-area
regional parks operation and maintenance
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
473.351.
new text end

new text begin (b) $8,950,000 the first year and $8,950,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for metropolitan-area regional parks and
trails maintenance and operations. This
appropriation is from revenue deposited in the
natural resources fund under Minnesota
Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (h),
clause (3).
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin CONSERVATION CORPS MINNESOTA AND IOWA new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,070,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,070,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 580,000 new text end	new text begin 580,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 490,000 new text end	new text begin 490,000 new text end

new text begin Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa may
receive money appropriated from the natural
resources fund under this section only as
provided in an agreement with the
commissioner of natural resources.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin ZOOLOGICAL BOARD new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 13,837,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 13,837,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 13,582,000 new text end	new text begin 13,582,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 255,000 new text end	new text begin 255,000 new text end

new text begin $255,000 the first year and $255,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund from revenue deposited under Minnesota
Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (h),
clause (5).
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin SCIENCE MUSEUM new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,260,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,260,000 new text end

Sec. 9.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

305,345,000

$

deleted text begin 229,638,000 deleted text end new text begin 226,638,000 new text end

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	179,534,000	deleted text begin 100,098,000 deleted text end new text begin 97,098,000 new text end
State Government Special Revenue	85,000	90,000
Environmental	106,055,000	109,203,000
Remediation	19,671,000	20,247,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

The commissioner must present the agency's
biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027
to the legislature in a transparent way by
agency division, including the proposed
budget bill and presentations of the budget to
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over the agency's budget.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Environmental Analysis and Outcomes

79,311,000

deleted text begin 72,785,000 deleted text end new text begin 69,785,000 new text end

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	60,103,000	deleted text begin 53,047,000 deleted text end new text begin 50,047,000 new text end
Environmental	18,959,000	19,533,000
Remediation	249,000	205,000

(a) $122,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are from the general fund for:

(1) a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
in implementing and participating in the
rulemaking process for water quality standards
and navigating the NPDES/SDS permitting
process;

(2) enhanced economic analysis in the
rulemaking process for water quality
standards, including more-specific analysis
and identification of cost-effective permitting;

(3) developing statewide economic analyses
and templates to reduce the amount of
information and time required for
municipalities to apply for variances from
water quality standards; and

(4) coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for the
resources needed for urban, suburban, and
Greater Minnesota municipalities to achieve
permit requirements.

(b) $216,000 the first year and $219,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a monitoring program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.454.

(c) $132,000 the first year and $137,000 the
second year are for monitoring water quality
and operating assistance programs.

(d) $390,000 the first year and $399,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous
pollutants.

(e) $106,000 the first year and $109,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for duties related to harmful chemicals in
children's products under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116.9401 to 116.9407. Of this
amount, $68,000 the first year and $70,000
the second year are transferred to the
commissioner of health.

(f) $128,000 the first year and $132,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.

(g) $1,492,000 the first year and $1,519,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to continue perfluorochemical
biomonitoring in eastern metropolitan
communities, as recommended by the
Environmental Health Tracking and
Biomonitoring Advisory Panel, and to address
other environmental health risks, including air
quality. The communities must include Hmong
and other immigrant farming communities.
Of this amount, up to $1,226,000 the first year
and $1,248,000 the second year are for transfer
to the commissioner of health.

(h) $61,000 the first year and $62,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the listing procedures for impaired waters
required under this act.

(i) $72,000 the first year and $74,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.

(j) $500,000 the first year is to facilitate the
collaboration and modeling of greenhouse gas
impacts, costs, and benefits of strategies to
reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
This is a onetime appropriation.

(k) $50,266,000 the first year and deleted text begin $50,270,000 deleted text end new text begin
$47,270,000 new text end the second year are to establish
and implement a local government climate
resiliency and water infrastructure grant
program for local governmental units and
Tribal governments. Of this amount,
$49,100,000 deleted text begin each deleted text end new text begin the first new text end year deleted text begin is deleted text end new text begin and
$46,100,000 the second year are new text end for grants to
support communities in planning and
implementing projects that will allow for
adaptation for a changing climate. At least 40
percent of the money granted under this
paragraph must be for projects in areas that
meet environmental justice criteria. By
December 30, 2027, the commissioner must
submit a report on the use of grant money to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over environment and natural resources
finance. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027. The base for this appropriation
in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $270,000.

(l) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to the
city of Fergus Falls to address water-quality
concerns at Lake Alice.

(m) $150,000 the first year is for a grant to
Rice County to address water-quality concerns
at French Lake.

(n) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to
Ramsey County to address water-quality
concerns at Round Lake.

(o) Recipients of money appropriated in
paragraphs (l), (m), and (n) may use the grants
to contract for water-quality improvement
services, testing, necessary infrastructure,
training, and maintenance.

(p) $2,070,000 the first year and $2,070,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to develop and implement a program
related to emerging issues, including
Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.

(q) $1,820,000 the first year and $1,820,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to support improved management of data
collected by the agency and its partners and
regulated parties to facilitate decision-making
and public access.

(r) $500,000 the first year is from the general
fund for the report on firefighter turnout gear
and biomonitoring required under this act. Of
this amount, up to $250,000 may be
transferred to the commissioner of health for
biomonitoring of firefighters.

(s) $500,000 the first year is to develop
protocols to be used by agencies and
departments for sampling and testing
groundwater, surface water, public drinking
water, and private wells for microplastics and
nanoplastics and to begin implementation. The
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency
may transfer money appropriated under this
paragraph to the commissioners of agriculture,
natural resources, and health to implement the
protocols developed. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2025.

(t) $50,000 the first year is from the
remediation fund for the work group on PFAS
manufacturer fees and report required under
this act.

(u) $387,000 the first year and $90,000 the
second year are to develop and implement the
requirements for fish kills under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 103G.216 and 103G.2165.
Of this amount, up to $331,000 the first year
and $90,000 the second year may be
transferred to the commissioners of health,
natural resources, agriculture, and public
safety and to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota as necessary to
implement those sections. The base for this
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and beyond
is $7,000.

(v) $63,000 the first year and $92,000 the
second year are for transfer to the
commissioner of health for amending the
health risk limit for PFOS. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2026.

(w) $5,000,000 the first year is for community
air-monitoring grants as provided in this act.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(x) $2,333,000 the first year and $2,333,000
the second year are to adopt rules and
implement air toxics emissions requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.062.
The general fund appropriations are onetime
and are available until June 30, 2027. The base
for this appropriation is $0 in fiscal year 2026
and $1,400,000 from the environmental fund
in fiscal year 2027 and beyond.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Resource Management and Assistance

82,000,000

57,974,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	38,464,000	13,850,000
Environmental	43,536,000	44,124,000

(a) Up to $150,000 the first year and $150,000
the second year may be transferred from the
environmental fund to the small business
environmental improvement loan account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993.

(b) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for competitive recycling
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.565. Of this amount, $300,000 the first
year and $300,000 the second year are from
the general fund, and $700,000 the first year
and $700,000 the second year are from the
environmental fund. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027.

(c) $694,000 the first year and $694,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for emission-reduction activities and grants to
small businesses and other
nonpoint-emission-reduction efforts. Of this
amount, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year are to continue work with
Clean Air Minnesota, and the commissioner
may enter into an agreement with
Environmental Initiative to support this effort.

(d) $18,450,000 the first year and $18,450,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for SCORE block grants to counties.

(e) $119,000 the first year and $119,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for environmental assistance grants or loans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716.

(f) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for grants to develop and expand recycling
markets for Minnesota businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.

(g) $767,000 the first year and $770,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for reducing and diverting food waste,
redirecting edible food for consumption, and
removing barriers to collecting and recovering
organic waste. Of this amount, $500,000 each
year is for grants to increase food rescue and
waste prevention. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027.

(h) $2,797,000 the first year and $2,811,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.844.

(i) $318,000 the first year and $324,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address chemicals in products, including to
implement and enforce flame retardant
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.071, and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.075. Of this amount, $78,000 the first
year and $80,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.

(j) $180,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for quantifying climate-related
impacts from projects for environmental
review. This is a onetime appropriation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(k) $1,790,000 the first year and $70,000 the
second year are for accelerating pollution
prevention at small businesses. Of this amount,
$1,720,000 the first year is new text begin for transfer to the
environmental fund new text end for zero-interest loans new text begin
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993, new text end to
phase out high-polluting equipment, products,
and processes and replace with new options.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027. This is a onetime appropriation.

(l) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the
second year are to support the Greenstep Cities
program. This is a onetime appropriation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(m) $420,000 the first year is to complete a
study on the viability of recycling solar energy
equipment. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2026.

(n) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Minnesota GreenCorps investment.

(o) $4,210,000 the first year and $210,000 the
second year are for PFAS reduction grants.
Of this amount, $4,000,000 the first year is
for grants to industry and public entities to
identify sources of PFAS entering facilities
and to develop pollution prevention and
reduction initiatives to reduce PFAS entering
facilities, prevent releases, and monitor the
effectiveness of these projects. Priority must
be given to projects in underserved
communities. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027.

(p) $12,940,000 the first year and $12,940,000
the second year are for a waste prevention and
reduction grants and loan program. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027. Of this amount in the first year,
$7,950,000 is for waste prevention and
reduction grants and loans and $3,000,000 is
for a grant to the owner of a biomass energy
generation plant in Shakopee that uses waste
heat from the generation of electricity in the
malting process to purchase a wood dehydrator
to facilitate disposal of wood that is infested
by the emerald ash borer. Of this amount in
the second year, $10,950,000 is for waste
prevention and reduction grants and loans new text begin ,
including $1,000,000 for transfer to the
environmental fund for the purposes of
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716 new text end . By
October 1, 2024, the commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency must report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources on the use of money appropriated
for the wood dehydrator under this paragraph.

(q) $16,562,000 the first year is for grants to
a Minnesota nonprofit corporation that owns
a cogeneration facility that serves a St. Paul
district heating and cooling system to preserve
existing biomass energy infrastructure for
purposes of local and regional emerald ash
borer response efforts. The commissioner of
the Pollution Control Agency may require the
nonprofit corporation to charge a fee per ton
of wood waste delivered to the facility. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2030.

(r) $1,163,000 the first year and $1,115,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for rulemaking and implementation of
the new PFAS requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.943. Of this amount,
$312,000 the first year and $468,000 the
second year are for transfer to the
commissioner of health.

(s) $680,000 the first year is for the resource
management report required in this act. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2026.

(t) $35,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for the compostable
labeling requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 325E.046. The base for this
appropriation in fiscal year 2026 and beyond
is $68,000 from the environmental fund.

(u) $175,000 the first year is for the
rulemaking required under this act providing
for the safe and lawful disposal of waste
treated seed. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2025.

(v) $1,000,000 the first year is for a lead tackle
reduction program that provides outreach,
education, and opportunities to safely dispose
of and exchange lead tackle throughout the
state. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(w) $17,000 the first year is for rulemaking
for the capital assistance program. This is a
onetime appropriation.

(x) Any unencumbered grant and loan
balances in the first year do not cancel but are
available for grants and loans in the second
year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2025, as
contracts or grants for environmental
assistance awarded under Minnesota Statutes,
section 115A.0716; technical and research
assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.152; technical assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.52; and
pollution prevention assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115D.04, are
available until June 30, 2027.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 3, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

deleted text begin 535,868,000 deleted text end new text begin 530,868,000 new text end

$

403,116,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	deleted text begin 281,054,000 deleted text end new text begin 276,054,000 new text end	150,078,000
Natural Resources	123,986,000	123,706,000
Game and Fish	129,920,000	128,513,000
Remediation	117,000	117,000
Permanent School	791,000	702,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 3, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Fish and Wildlife Management

deleted text begin 111,125,000 deleted text end new text begin 106,125,000 new text end

96,963,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	deleted text begin 23,643,000 deleted text end new text begin 18,643,000 new text end	9,888,000
Natural Resources	2,082,000	2,082,000
Game and Fish	85,400,000	84,993,000

(a) $11,158,000 the first year and $11,158,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund only for activities specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1). Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, five
percent of this appropriation may be used for
expanding hunter and angler recruitment and
retention.

(b) $982,000 the first year and $982,000 the
second year are from the general fund and
$1,675,000 the first year and $1,675,000 the
second year are from the game and fish fund
for statewide response and management of
chronic wasting disease. The commissioner
and the Board of Animal Health must each
submit annual reports on chronic wasting
disease activities funded in this biennium to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources and agriculture. The general fund
base for this appropriation in fiscal year 2026
and beyond is $282,000.

(c) $5,150,000 the first year and $3,250,000
the second year are for inspections,
investigations, and enforcement activities
taken for the white-tailed deer farm program
and for statewide response and management
of chronic wasting disease. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029.

(d) $8,546,000 the first year and $8,546,000
the second year are from the deer management
account for the purposes identified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.075,
subdivision 1.

(e) $268,000 the first year and $268,000 the
second year are for increased capacity for
broadband utility licensing for state lands and
public waters. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2028.

(f) deleted text begin $10,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $5,000,000 new text end the first year is
for enhancing prairies and grasslands and
restoring wetlands on state-owned wildlife
management areas to sequester more carbon
and enhance climate resiliency. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027.

(g) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the general fund and
$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for grants
for natural-resource-based education and
recreation programs serving youth under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976, and for
grant administration. Priority must be given
to projects benefiting underserved
communities. The base for this appropriation
in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $500,000
from the heritage enhancement account in the
game and fish fund. The general fund
appropriation is onetime.

(h) $2,300,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa to expand Minnesota's wild elk
population and range. Consideration must be
given to moving elk from existing herds in
northwest Minnesota to the area of the Fond
du Lac State Forest and the Fond du Lac
Reservation in Carlton and southern St. Louis
Counties. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa's elk reintroduction efforts
must undergo thorough planning with the
Department of Natural Resources to develop
necessary capture and handling protocols,
including protocols related to cervid disease
management, and to produce postrelease state
and Tribal elk comanagement plans. Of this
amount, $300,000 is for the department for
the purposes of this paragraph. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2026.

(i) $767,000 the first year is from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund to examine the effects of neonicotinoid
exposure on the reproduction and survival of
Minnesota's game species, including deer and
prairie chicken. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2027.

(j) $134,000 the first year and $134,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for native
fish conservation and classification.

(k) $82,000 the first year is for the native fish
reports required under this act. This is a
onetime appropriation.

(l) $65,000 the first year is for preparing the
report on feral pigs and mink required under
this act and holding at least one public meeting
on the topic.

(m) Up to $5,750,000 the first year and up to
$2,225,000 the second year are available for
transfer from the critical habitat private sector
matching account to the reinvest in Minnesota
fund for wildlife management areas
acquisition, restoration, and enhancement
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
84.943, subdivision 5b.

(n) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, $300,000 the first year and
$300,000 the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for shooting sports facility grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 87A.10, including
grants for archery facilities. Grants must be
matched with a nonstate match, which may
include in-kind contributions. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2026. This appropriation must be
allocated as follows:

(1) $200,000 each fiscal year is for grants of
$25,000 or less; and

(2) $100,000 each fiscal year is for grants in
excess of $25,000.

(o) $75,000 the first year is from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for enhanced fish stocking of white bass
and crappies in lakes in the metropolitan area
that have pier and shore fishing opportunities
where communities are currently underserved.

(p) $1,633,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for chronic wasting disease
contingency plans developed by the Center
for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
This is a onetime appropriation.

(q) $900,000 the first year is to create new or
expand existing outreach and education
programs for non-native English-speaking
communities. Of this amount, $250,000 is for
the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency and $250,000 is for the Board of
Water and Soil Resources for this purpose. Up
to $400,000 may be used to expand the
Fishing in the Neighborhood program for
outreach to new and underserved audiences.
This appropriation may be used for community
outreach consultants for reaching new
audiences. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 4. BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES

$

61,943,000

$

deleted text begin 58,131,000 deleted text end new text begin 56,131,000 new text end

(a) $3,116,000 the first year and $3,116,000
the second year are for grants and payments
to soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing the purposes of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103C, and for other general
purposes, nonpoint engineering, and
implementation and stewardship of the
reinvest in Minnesota reserve program.
Expenditures may be made from this
appropriation for supplies and services
benefiting soil and water conservation
districts. Any district receiving a payment
under this paragraph must maintain a website
that publishes, at a minimum, the district's
annual report, annual audit, annual budget,
and meeting notices.

(b) $761,000 the first year and $761,000 the
second year are to implement, enforce, and
provide oversight for the Wetland
Conservation Act, including administering the
wetland banking program and in-lieu fee
mechanism.

(c) $1,560,000 the first year and $1,560,000
the second year are for the following:

(1) $1,460,000 the first year and $1,460,000
the second year are for cost-sharing programs
of soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing projects and practices
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103C.501, including perennially vegetated
riparian buffers, erosion control, water
retention and treatment, water quality
cost-sharing for feedlots under 500 animal
units and nutrient and manure management
projects in watersheds where there are
impaired waters, and other high-priority
conservation practices; and

(2) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for county cooperative weed
management programs and to restore native
plants at selected invasive species management
sites.

(d) $166,000 the first year and $166,000 the
second year are to provide technical assistance
to local drainage management officials and
for the costs of the Drainage Work Group. The
board must coordinate the activities of the
Drainage Work Group according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 103B.101, subdivision 13.
The Drainage Work Group must review a
drainage authority's power under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103E, to consider the
abandonment or dismantling of drainage
systems; to re-meander, restore, or reconstruct
a natural waterway that has been modified by
drainage; or to deconstruct dikes, dams, or
other water-control structures.

(e) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Red River
Basin Commission for water quality and
floodplain management, including program
administration. This appropriation must be
matched by nonstate funds.

(f) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the
second year are for grants to Area II
Minnesota River Basin Projects for floodplain
management. The base for fiscal year 2026
and later is $140,000.

(g) $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are for conservation easement
stewardship.

(h) $240,000 the first year and $240,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District to defray
the annual cost of operating and maintaining
sites for dredge spoil to sustain the state,
national, and international commercial and
recreational navigation on the lower Minnesota
River.

(i) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for the lawns to legumes
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.104. The board may enter into
agreements with local governments, Metro
Blooms, and other organizations to support
this effort. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

(j) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for the habitat
enhancement landscape program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.106. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027.

(k) $10,557,000 the first year and $10,557,000
the second year are for soil health activities to
achieve water quality, soil productivity,
climate change resiliency, or carbon
sequestration benefits consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.06. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027. The board may use grants to
local governments, including soil and water
conservation districts, and agreements with
the United States Department of Agriculture;
the University of Minnesota, Office for Soil
Health; AgCentric, Minnesota State Northern
Center of Excellence; and other practitioners
and partners to accomplish this work.

(l) $203,000 the first year and $203,000 the
second year are for soil health practice
adoption purposes consistent with the
cost-sharing provisions of Minnesota Statutes,
section 103C.501, and for soil health program
responsibilities in consultation with the
University of Minnesota Office for Soil
Health.

(m) $10,500,000 the first year and
deleted text begin $10,500,000 deleted text end new text begin $8,500,000 new text end the second year are
for conservation easements and to restore and
enhance grasslands and adjacent lands
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, sections
103F.501 to 103F.531, for the purposes of
climate resiliency, adaptation, carbon
sequestration, and related benefits. Of this
amount, up to $423,000 is for deposit in the
water and soil conservation easement
stewardship account established under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.103. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2029. The board must give priority
to leveraging nonstate funding, including
practices, programs, and projects funded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
the Conservation Reserve Program, the
Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Federal
Farm Bill, or the Climate-Smart Commodities
Program.

(n) $4,000,000 the first year and $5,000,000
the second year are to acquire conservation
easements and to restore and enhance
peatlands and adjacent lands consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, sections 103F.501 to
103F.531, for the purposes of climate
resiliency, adaptation, carbon sequestration,
and related benefits. Of this amount, up to
$299,000 is for deposit in the water and soil
conservation easement stewardship account
established under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.103. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2029. The board
must give priority to leveraging nonstate
funding, including practices, programs, and
projects funded by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture via the Conservation Reserve
Enhancement Program, the Conservation
Reserve Program, the Federal Inflation
Reduction Act, the Federal Farm Bill, or the
Climate-Smart Commodities Program.

(o) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are to enhance existing
easements established under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 103F.501 to 103F.531.
Enhancements are for the purposes of climate
resiliency, adaptation, and carbon
sequestration and include but are not limited
to increasing biodiversity and mitigating the
effects of rainfall and runoff events. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2029. The board must give priority
to leveraging nonstate funding, including
practices, programs, and projects funded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
the Conservation Reserve Program, the
Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Federal
Farm Bill, or the Climate-Smart Commodities
Program.

(p) $8,500,000 the first year and $8,500,000
the second year are for water quality and
storage practices and projects to protect
infrastructure, improve water quality and
related public benefits, and mitigate climate
change impacts consistent with Minnesota
Statutes, section 103F.05. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2029. The board must give priority to
leveraging nonstate funding, including
practices, programs, and projects funded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
the Conservation Reserve Program, the
Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Federal
Farm Bill, or the Climate-Smart Commodities
Program.

(q) $4,673,000 the first year and $4,673,000
the second year are for natural resources block
grants to local governments to implement the
Wetland Conservation Act and shoreland
management program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103F, and local water
management responsibilities under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103B. The board may reduce
the amount of the natural resources block grant
to a county by an amount equal to any
reduction in the county's general services
allocation to a soil and water conservation
district from the county's previous year
allocation when the board determines that the
reduction was disproportionate. The base for
this appropriation in fiscal year 2026 and
beyond is $3,423,000.

(r) $129,000 the first year and $136,000 the
second year are to accomplish the objectives
of Minnesota Statutes, section 10.65, and
related Tribal government coordination. The
base for fiscal year 2026 and each year
thereafter is $144,000.

(s) $3,000,000 the first year is to provide
onetime state incentive payments to enrollees
in the federal Conservation Reserve Program
(CRP) during the continuous enrollment
period and to enroll complementary areas in
conservation easements consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515. The
board may establish payment rates based on
land valuation and on environmental benefit
criteria, including but not limited to surface
water or groundwater pollution reduction,
drinking water protection, soil health,
pollinator and wildlife habitat, and other
conservation enhancements. The board may
use state funds to implement the program and
to provide technical assistance to landowners
or their agents to fulfill enrollment and
contract provisions. The board must consult
with the commissioners of agriculture, health,
natural resources, and the Pollution Control
Agency and the United States Department of
Agriculture in establishing program criteria.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(t) $2,000,000 the first year is to acquire
conservation easements from landowners to
preserve, restore, create, and enhance wetlands
and associated uplands of prairie and
grasslands and to restore and enhance rivers
and streams, riparian lands, and associated
uplands of prairie and grasslands, in order to
protect soil and water quality, support fish and
wildlife habitat, reduce flood damage, and
provide other public benefits. Minnesota
Statutes, section 103F.515, applies to this
program. The board must give priority to
leveraging federal money by enrolling targeted
new lands or enrolling environmentally
sensitive lands that have expiring federal
conservation agreements. The board is
authorized to enter into new agreements and
amend past agreements with landowners as
required by Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.515, subdivision 5, to allow for
restoration. Up to five percent of this
appropriation may be used for restoration and
enhancement.

(u) $5,623,000 the first year and $5,804,000
the second year are for agency administration
and operation of the Board of Water and Soil
Resources.

(v) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for the habitat-friendly utilities
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.105. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

(w) The board may shift money in this section
and may adjust the technical and
administrative assistance portion of the funds
to leverage federal or other nonstate funds or
to address accountability, oversight, local
government performance, or high-priority
needs.

(x) Returned grants and payments are available
for two years after they are returned or
regranted, whichever is later. Funds must be
regranted consistent with the purposes of this
section. If an appropriation for grants in either
year is insufficient, the appropriation in the
other year is available for it.

(y) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16B.97, grants awarded from
appropriations in this section are exempt from
the Department of Administration, Office of
Grants Management Policy 08-08 Grant
Payments and 08-10 Grant Monitoring.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115B.421, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

(a) The closed landfill investment fund is established in
the state treasury. The fund consists of money credited to the fund and interest and other
earnings on money in the fund. Funds must be deposited as described in section 115B.445.
The fund must be managed to maximize long-term gain through the State Board of
Investment.

(b) Each fiscal year, up to $4,500,000 is appropriated from the closed landfill investment
fund to the commissioner for the purposes of sections 115B.39 to 115B.444.

(c) If the commissioner determines that a release or threatened release from a qualified
facility for which the commissioner has assumed obligations for environmental response
actions under section 115B.40 or 115B.406 constitutes an emergency requiring immediate
action to prevent, minimize, or mitigate damage either to the public health or welfare or the
environment or to a system designed to protect the public health or welfare or the
environment, up to $9,000,000 in addition to the amount appropriated under paragraph (b)
is appropriated to the commissioner in the first year of the biennium and may be spent by
the commissioner to take reasonable and necessary emergency response actions. Money
not spent in the first year of the biennium may be spent in the second year. If money is
appropriated under this paragraph, the commissioner must notify the chairs of the senate
and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment policy and
finance as soon as possible. The commissioner must maintain the fund balance to ensure
long-term viability of the fund and reflect the responsibility of the landfill cleanup program
in perpetuity.

(d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) expire June 30, deleted text begin 2025 deleted text end new text begin 2029 new text end .