HF 821

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 03/26/2025 12:29pm

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; appropriating money for nitrate private well mitigation.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; NITRATE PRIVATE WELL MITIGATION.
new text end

new text begin $3,866,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,866,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for nitrate private well mitigation,
including reverse osmosis, well repair, and well reconstruction for private drinking water
wells with nitrate in excess of the maximum contaminant level of ten milligrams per liter
and located in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona
County. The commissioner must prioritize households at or below 300 percent of the federal
poverty guideline and households with infants or pregnant individuals. The commissioner
of agriculture may also use this appropriation for education, outreach, and technical assistance
to homeowners. The commissioner of agriculture may transfer money to the commissioner
of health to establish and administer a mitigation program for contaminated wells located
in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona County.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the commissioner of
agriculture may use up to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for administrative costs.
new text end