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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 186--S.F.No. 2963

An act

relating to natural resources; appropriating money from environment and natural resources trust fund; modifying provisions for Legislature-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources; adding requirements for use of trust fund money; creating reimbursement procedures for the University of Minnesota for money from the environment and natural resources trust fund;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 116P.05, subdivision 1; 137.025, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 116P.08, subdivision 5; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P.

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

Section 1.

new text begin 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 act. The appropriations are from the environment and natural resources trust fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2016" and "2017" used in this act mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, or June 30, 2017, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2016. "The second year" is fiscal year 2017. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2016 and 2017. 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 2016 new text end new text begin 2017 new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin MINNESOTA 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 -0- new text end new text begin $ new text end new text begin 46,337,000 new text end
new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin 2016 new text end new text begin 2017 new text end
new text begin Environment and natural resources trust fund new text end new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 46,337,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions. Appropriations are available for two years beginning July 1, 2016, unless otherwise stated in the appropriation. Any unencumbered balance remaining in the first year does not cancel and is available for the second year or until the end of the appropriation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin "Trust fund" means the Minnesota environment and natural resources trust fund established under Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 14. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 12,058,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Data-Driven Pollinator Conservation Strategies new text end

new text begin $520,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to improve understanding of the relationships and interactions between native bee pollinators and rare and declining plant species and to determine optimal placement and species plantings for pollinator habitat in order to develop guidelines for planning, designing, and planting pollinator habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Native Bee Surveys in Minnesota Prairie and Forest Habitats new text end

new text begin $600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue to assess the current status and distribution of native bee pollinators in Minnesota by expanding surveys into the prairie-forest border region and facilitating interagency collaboration and public outreach on pollinators. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Prairie Butterfly Conservation, Research, and Breeding - Phase II new text end

new text begin $750,000 the second year is from the trust fund. Of this amount, $421,000 is to the Minnesota Zoological Garden and $329,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources in collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to continue efforts to prevent the extinction of imperiled native Minnesota butterfly species through breeding, research, field surveys, and potential reintroduction. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Statewide Monitoring Network for Changing Habitats in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to develop a consolidated statewide network of permanent habitat monitoring sites in prairies, forests, and wetlands to help guide and prioritize habitat protection and management decisions in response to environmental change. The design and testing methodologies of monitoring plots must address the status of pollinators and pollination. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Completing National Wetland Inventory Update for Minnesota new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to complete the update and enhancement of wetland inventory maps for counties in central and northwestern Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Assessment Tool for Understanding Vegetation Growth Impacts on Groundwater Recharge new text end

new text begin $212,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a statewide assessment tool to help understand the relationship between vegetation growth and impacts on groundwater recharge under changing land use and climate. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Sentinel Lakes Monitoring and Data Synthesis – Phase III new text end

new text begin $401,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the third and final phase of a monitoring and multidisciplinary research effort on 25 sentinel lakes in Minnesota, which will integrate and synthesize previously collected data to enhance understanding of how lakes respond to large-scale environmental stressors and provide for improved ability to predict and respond to lake changes for water and fisheries management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (h) State Spring Inventory for Resource Management and Protection - Phase II new text end

new text begin $370,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue a systematic inventory of springs statewide to provide fundamental data needed to maintain spring flows and protect groundwater-dependent resources. Increased outreach to the public and other entities must be conducted to assist in the identification, documentation, and publication of spring locations. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Enhancing Understanding of Minnesota River Aquatic Ecosystem new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to accelerate collection of baseline data to enhance understanding of the Minnesota River ecosystem, measure future impacts of changing climate and landscapes on the aquatic ecosystem, and guide future management efforts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (j) Improving Brook Trout Stream Habitat Through Beaver Management new text end

new text begin $225,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for Bemidji State University to quantify how beaver activity influences habitat quality in streams for brook trout in northeastern Minnesota in order to improve current and future management practices. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (k) Evaluate Temperature, Streamflow, and Hydrogeology Impact on Brook Trout Habitat new text end

new text begin $115,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Geological Survey to evaluate links between southeastern Minnesota stream temperatures, trout habitat, and bedrock hydrogeology to improve trout stream management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (l) Restoration of Elk to Northeastern Minnesota new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota in cooperation with the Fond du Lac Band and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to determine the habitat suitability and levels of public support for restoring elk to northeastern Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (m) Game and Nongame Bird Pesticide Exposure new text end

new text begin $349,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate the potential risk to game and nongame birds from exposure to neonicotinoid-treated agricultural seeds. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (n) Evaluating Insecticide Exposure Risk for Grassland Wildlife on Public Lands new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to evaluate exposure risks of grassland wildlife to soybean aphid insecticides, to guide grassland management in farmland regions of Minnesota for the protection of birds, beneficial insects, and other grassland wildlife. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (o) Development of Innovative Cost-Saving Methodology for Forest Inventory new text end

new text begin $800,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to develop and pilot a new and more cost-effective methodology for an enhanced stand-based forest inventory, with the goal of extending the methodology statewide. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (p) Evaluation of Tree Retention Guidelines Pertaining to Wildlife new text end

new text begin $232,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth to assess the effectiveness of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council tree retention guidelines in sustaining Minnesota's wildlife populations, by quantifying and evaluating the impacts on birds, small mammals, and amphibian diversity. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (q) Determine Impacts on Wildlife From Emerald Ash Borer Infection of Black Ash Forests new text end

new text begin $334,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth to assess impacts of emerald ash borer and adaptive management on wildlife diversity in black ash forests and to develop recommendations to mitigate wildlife impacts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (r) Aggregate Mapping new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to map the extent and quality of aggregate resources in counties that have not previously been mapped. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin (s) Pineland Sands Lands and Water Study new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to study the impact of changes in land use from forest land to irrigated agriculture in the Pineland Sands aquifer along the Crow Wing River. The commissioner must notify the public about the study and hold an open house in the study area to inform the community on potential impacts to surface water and groundwater in the area. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2021, and is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, sections 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and 116P.09, subdivision 4. The commissioner must submit or present a status update on the study to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the environment and natural resources by January 15, 2017. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin (t) Natural Resources Research Institute new text end

new text begin $1,100,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for academic and applied research through MnDRIVE at the Natural Resources Research Institute for projects that include, but are not limited to, the creation of a portfolio of waterborne sulfate reduction technologies and the development of technologies for current and emerging environmental and natural resources opportunities. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, and is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.05, subdivision 2. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Water Resources new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 7,799,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Tracking and Preventing Harmful Algal Blooms new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to identify species composition and timing of harmful algal blooms, understand the causes of bloom development in individual lakes, and determine how nutrients and climate interact to increase harmful algae outbreaks. This work must be done in cooperation with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Assessing the Increasing Harmful Algal Blooms in Minnesota Lakes new text end

new text begin $270,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory to investigate lake processes and meteorological conditions triggering algal blooms and toxin production, develop models for tracking blooms, and provide outreach on the prediction, detection, and impacts of mitigation of algal bloom events. This work must be done in cooperation with the St. Croix Watershed Research Station of the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Restoring Native Mussels in Streams and Lakes new text end

new text begin $600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the Minnesota Zoological Garden for a statewide mussel program to rear, restore, and re-establish native mussel species in streams and rivers. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Assessing Techniques for Eliminating Contaminants to Protect Native Fish and Mussels new text end

new text begin $287,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the University of St. Thomas to evaluate the use of ultraviolet treatment of wastewater to remove certain commonly detected wastewater contaminants, in order to reduce the contaminants' toxicity to native fish and mussels. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Assessing Neonicotinoid Insecticide Effects on Aquatic and Soil Communities new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify neonicotinoid insecticide breakdown components produced in water and plant leaves and assess their toxicity to soil and aquatic species and related biotic communities. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Bacterial Assessment of Groundwater Supplies Used for Drinking Water new text end

new text begin $299,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to characterize and analyze bacterial communities in Minnesota groundwater used as drinking water supplies and link the microbiological data to other water quality indicators for drinking water supply safety. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Understanding Bedrock Fracture Flow to Improve Groundwater Quality new text end

new text begin $183,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Geological Survey to use new techniques of borehole testing and rock fracture mapping in the Twin Cities metropolitan area to achieve a better understanding of groundwater flow through fractured bedrock, in order to improve groundwater management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (h) Protection of State's Confined Drinking Water Aquifers - Phase II new text end

new text begin $433,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geological Survey to continue to test methods of defining properties of confined drinking water aquifers, in order to improve water management. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Assessment of Surface Water Quality with Satellite Sensors new text end

new text begin $345,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for a statewide assessment of water quality using new satellite sensors for high frequency measurement of major water quality indicators in lakes and rivers. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (j) Development of Innovative Sensor Technologies for Water Monitoring new text end

new text begin $509,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop inexpensive and efficient sensitive sensors and wireless sensor networks for continuous monitoring of contaminants in lakes and rivers in Minnesota. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (k) Wastewater Treatment Process Improvements new text end

new text begin $398,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to characterize and quantify the nutrient-removing microorganisms used for municipal wastewater treatment, in order to improve the process used to reduce total nitrogen discharge. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (l) Membrane-Based Process for Decentralized Drinking Water Production new text end

new text begin $191,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a low-energy use, membrane-based treatment technology to produce drinking water locally from surface waters by removing heavy metals and contaminants of emerging concern, including pesticides and pharmaceuticals. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (m) Analyzing Alternatives for Municipal Wastewater Treatment new text end

new text begin $180,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to analyze alternatives for improved treatment of sulfate and salty parameters at municipal wastewater plants to inform the development and implementation of wild rice, sulfate, and other water quality standards. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (n) Understanding Impacts of Salt Usage on Minnesota Lakes, Rivers, and Groundwater new text end

new text begin $497,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify the current water-softening salt loads in Minnesota lakes, rivers, and groundwater, assess alternative water-softening materials and methods, and quantify the transport of de-icing and water-softening salt through the soil. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (o) Microbes for Salt and Metal Removal new text end

new text begin $596,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to continue to research the potential of recently discovered microbes from Soudan Iron Mine in northern Minnesota for removing salts and metals from groundwater and surface water resources. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (p) Engineered Biofilter for Sulfate and Metal Removal from Mine Waters new text end

new text begin $440,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop an efficient, low-cost, biomass-derived adsorbent material for use in bioactive filters able to remove sulfate and metals from mining-impacted waters. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (q) Developing Biosponge Technology for Removal of Nitrates from Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to adapt and test an inexpensive biosponge technology for its effectiveness at removing nitrates from drinking water. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (r) Morrison County Performance Drainage and Hydrology Management new text end

new text begin $209,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District to conduct an assessment of drainage infrastructure, in order to develop hydrology restoration priorities and a countywide performance drainage ordinance to address land use-change impacts to the hydrogeology. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (s) Agricultural and Urban Runoff Water Quality Treatment Analysis - Phase II new text end

new text begin $110,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for an agreement with the Blue Earth County Drainage Authority to continue monitoring a model demonstration for storage and treatment options in drainage systems designed to improve agricultural and urban water quality by reducing soil erosion, peak water flows, and nutrient loading. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2021, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (t) Surface Water Bacterial Treatment System Pilot Project new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization to reduce bacteria and nutrient loads to Vadnais Lake, a drinking water supply reservoir, through implementation and evaluation of a subsurface constructed wetland as a best management practice for potential statewide use. The Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization must consider contracting with the University of Minnesota Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot treatment system so that it maximizes benefits and can be replicated elsewhere. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2021, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (u) Assessing Effectiveness of Wetland Restorations for Improved Water Quality new text end

new text begin $420,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify the environmental benefits of sediment removal and native plant communities in wetland restorations by measuring resulting reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus delivery to groundwater and surface water. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (v) Integrated Targeted Watershed Planning Tools with Citizen Involvement new text end

new text begin $169,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for the Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato, to use geographic information system (GIS) prioritization and modeling tools to develop pollution reduction strategies in five priority subwatersheds in the Le Sueur River watershed and to promote implementation of the reduction strategies through citizen involvement and outreach. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (w) Roseau Lake Watershed Targeted Water Quality Improvement new text end

new text begin $65,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to develop targeted water quality improvements for the Roseau Lake watershed by coordinating with partner agencies to identify the top priority field scale best management and conservation practices to implement in the region. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Environmental Education new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 2,812,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Minnesota Conservation Apprentice Academy new text end

new text begin $433,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources in cooperation with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa for the final phase of a program to train and mentor future conservation professionals by providing apprenticeship service opportunities with local soil and water conservation districts in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) School Forests Outdoor Classrooms new text end

new text begin $440,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa to renovate and restore 60 school forests and train students, teachers, school district facility staff, and community volunteers to be long-term stewards of the school forests and provide education and service learning experiences at school forest sites. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Youth-Led Sustainability Projects in 50 Minnesota Communities - Phase III new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center to expand the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) program statewide to complete more than 200 new youth-led climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in over 50 Minnesota communities. new text end

new text begin (d) New Prairie Sportsman Statewide Broadcast Video Project new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pioneer Public Television to provide outreach on outdoor recreation, conservation, and natural resource issues, including water quality, wildlife habitat, and invasive species, through a series of interrelated public forums, educational and training videos, and statewide broadcast television programs. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Education for Southwest Minnesota High Schools new text end

new text begin $147,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden to engage high school students in critical prairie wildlife and habitat conservation projects by using the zoo's unique animal collections and state-of-the-art technology to deliver hands-on learning in 12 southwestern Minnesota high schools. new text end

new text begin (f) Standards-Based Dakota Indian Land Stewardship Education new text end

new text begin $197,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dakota Wicohan to enhance the capacity of approximately 1,250 students to be stewards of the land in Minnesota by learning about Dakota Indian values and environmental principles through a standards-based experiential multimedia curriculum. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Wolf Management Education in the Classroom - Phase II new text end

new text begin $240,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the International Wolf Center to expand the Wolves at Our Door classroom education program to assist students in understanding wolves and associated management issues. new text end

new text begin (h) Master Water Steward Program Expansion new text end

new text begin $116,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Freshwater Society to train community volunteers as master water stewards who will work with neighborhoods to install water management projects that preserve and restore water quality. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Promoting Water Quality Stewardship through Student Mentoring and River Monitoring new text end

new text begin $39,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Southwest Minnesota State University to partner with area schools to deliver inquiry-based, hands-on learning and mentoring on water quality stewardship between university agriculture students and high school and middle school students. new text end

new text begin (j) Wildlife Science Center new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Wildlife Science Center to provide environmental education programs using ambassador wild animals. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 5,860,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center - Phase III new text end

new text begin $3,750,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center to conduct research to prevent, minimize, and mitigate the threats and impacts posed by terrestrial invasive plants, pathogens, and pests to the state's prairies, forests, wetlands, and agricultural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2023, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Developing Membrane Filtration System to Treat Lake Superior Ballast Water new text end

new text begin $151,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a filtration system utilizing bioactive membrane technologies for use in treating Lake Superior ballast water to remove at least 90 percent of suspended pathogens, invasive species, and contaminants. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Advancing Microbial Invasive Species Monitoring from Ballast Discharge new text end

new text begin $368,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify bacteria in ship ballast water and St. Louis River estuary sediments, assess the risks posed by invasive bacteria, and evaluate treatment techniques for effectiveness at removing the bacteria from ballast water. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Biological Control of White Nose Syndrome in Bats - Phase II new text end

new text begin $452,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to continue research to identify, develop, and optimize biocontrol agents for white nose syndrome in bats by evaluating the biocontrol effectiveness of microbes collected at additional hibernacula throughout the state and conducting baseline characterization of the total bat microbiomes. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Elimination of Target Invasive Plant Species - Phase II new text end

new text begin $750,000 the second year is from the trust fund. Of this amount, $511,000 is to the commissioner of agriculture and $239,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to train volunteers and professionals to find, control, and monitor targeted newly emergent invasive plant species. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Dutch Elm Disease Resistance - Phase II new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to continue to identify and evaluate native Minnesota elms that are resistant to Dutch elm disease and begin propagating disease-resistant specimens for field trial testing. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Invasive Carp Management Research in Lake Nokomis Subwatershed new text end

new text begin $189,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to apply current invasive carp management research to the entire Lake Nokomis subwatershed and provide demonstration guidance for large-scale carp management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2020, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 2,090,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Community Solar Garden Installation new text end

new text begin $490,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Rural Renewable Energy Alliance to install a 200-kilowatt community solar garden to provide for electrical distribution in Cass, Beltrami, Hubbard, and Itasca Counties, to assist households in the Minnesota low-income housing energy assistance program in meeting electrical energy needs and serve as a model for low-income energy assistance elsewhere in the state. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. new text end

new text begin (b) Waste Heat Recovery with Efficient Thermoelectric Energy Generators new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop thermoelectric energy generators using advanced, high-performance materials able to more efficiently capture waste heat and transform the heat into electricity. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Hydrogen Fuel from Wind-Produced Renewable Ammonia new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a technical solution for converting wind-produced ammonia to hydrogen through catalytic decomposition, for use in reducing emissions from diesel engines and powering fuel cell vehicles. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Utilization of Dairy Farm Wastewater for Sustainable Production new text end

new text begin $475,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris to develop and evaluate an integrated system that recycles and uses nutrients in dairy wastewater from feedlots and milk processing, thereby reducing nutrients from agricultural runoff, and to provide outreach on adoption of new technologies. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Solar Energy Utilization for Minnesota Swine Farms - Phase II new text end

new text begin $475,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris to continue to develop and evaluate the utilization of solar photovoltaic systems at swine facilities to improve energy and economic performance, reduce fossil fuel usage and emissions, and optimize water usage. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Methods to Protect, Restore, and Enhance Land, Water, and Habitat new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 6,715,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Bee Pollinator Habitat Enhancement - Phase II new text end

new text begin $387,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to continue assessment of the potential to supplement traditional turf grass by providing critical floral plant resources to enhance bee pollinator habitat. Plant materials and seeds must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Measuring Pollen and Seed Dispersal for Prairie Fragment Connectivity new text end

new text begin $556,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to determine habitat connectivity between prairie fragments by measuring plant movement by dispersal of pollen and seeds to improve prairie restoration implementation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Establishment of Permanent Habitat Strips Within Row Crops new text end

new text begin $179,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to research the viability of establishing prairie forbs and alfalfa as permanent cover strips in the bare soil between selected rows of corn and soybeans as potential pollinator, monarch, and gamebird habitat. Monitoring of the native plant strips must evaluate the effects of pesticides from adjacent crops on pollinators, including determining whether there is a reduction of pollinators that results in reduced setting of seeds on the native plants. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Evaluate Prescribed Burning Techniques to Improve Habitat Management for Brushland Species new text end

new text begin $267,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to compare the effects on brushland habitat of conducting prescribed burning in spring, summer, and fall to provide improved management guidelines for wildlife habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2020, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Controlling Reed Canary Grass to Regenerate Floodplain Forest new text end

new text begin $218,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota state office of the National Audubon Society to determine the most effective regeneration methods for restoration of floodplain forests in southeast Minnesota impacted by invasive reed canary grass. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Forest Management for Mississippi River Drinking Water Protection new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District to pilot a water protection approach for the watershed through development of forest stewardship plans and targeted riparian forest restoration projects. Any expenditures from this appropriation spent on forest management plans or restoration must be for lands with a long-term contract commitment for forest conservation, and the restoration must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Upland, Wetland, and Shoreline Restoration in Greater Metropolitan Area new text end

new text begin $509,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to restore approximately 150 acres of forest, prairie, woodland, and wetland and 0.15 miles of shoreline throughout the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, using volunteers, and to conduct restoration evaluation on previously restored parcels. A list of proposed restorations and evaluations must be provided as part of the required work plan. Plant and seed materials must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (h) Bluffland Restoration and Monitoring in Winona new text end

new text begin $99,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for Winona State University to inventory, restore, and monitor the 40-acre Garvin Heights Natural Area in Winona and provide related public outreach and education. Plant and seed materials must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Champlin Mill Pond Shoreland Restoration new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Champlin to restore the Champlin Mill Pond shoreline and adjacent habitat. Plant and seed materials must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (j) Pollinator Highway Demonstration Projects new text end

new text begin $2,200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of transportation to restore and enhance wildlife habitat along trunk highways, including: marked Interstate Highway 35, one north and one south of the metropolitan area; marked Interstate Highway 90; and two locations along marked Interstate Highway 94. Of this amount, up to $25,000 may be used to monitor and study the effects of different levels of native plant diversity on roadside pollinators and the timing of mowing on pollinator abundance and diversity. The commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over transportation and environment and natural resources by January 15, 2017, and submit or present to the chairs a follow-up status report by January 15, 2020. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2022, and must include a five-year restoration process. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, sections 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and 116P.09, subdivision 4. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 8,793,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Scientific and Natural Area Restoration new text end

new text begin $1,386,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to restore and improve approximately 750 acres of scientific and natural areas. A list of proposed restorations must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the Duluth Airport Authority to acquire approximately ten acres as an addition to the designated Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area located along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth. new text end

new text begin (c) Conservation Easements in Avon Hills - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Saint John's University in cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust to secure permanent conservation easements on approximately 500 acres of high-quality habitat in Stearns County, prepare conservation management plans, and provide public outreach. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Funding for the long-term monitoring and enforcement fund must come from nonstate sources for easements acquired with this appropriation. The state may enforce requirements in the conservation easements on land acquired with this appropriation and the conservation easement document must state this authority and explicitly include requirements for water quality and quantity protection. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System Acquisition for Wellhead Protection new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water to acquire and restore lands designated under an approved wellhead protection plan. Lands acquired with this appropriation must be from willing sellers and be identified by the Department of Health as targeted vulnerable lands for wellhead protection. Lands must be restored to permanent vegetative cover, but may be used for recreation and renewable energy if adequate protection of the drinking water aquifer is provided. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. Plant and seed materials must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. Income derived from the lands acquired with funds appropriated under this paragraph is exempt from Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10, if used for additional wellhead protection as provided under this paragraph until adequate wellhead protection has been achieved, as determined by the commissioner of health. Any income earned after that must be returned to the environment and natural resources trust fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Mesabi Trail Segment from Highway 135 to Town of Embarrass new text end

new text begin $1,200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for engineering and construction of segments of the Mesabi Trail, totaling approximately six miles between Highway 135 and the town of Embarrass. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Tower Historic Harbor Trail Connections new text end

new text begin $679,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Tower to construct recreational trails along the harbor in Tower and to connect to the Mesabi Trail. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Otter Tail River Recreational Trail Acquisition new text end

new text begin $600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Fergus Falls to acquire approximately 16 acres along the Otter Tail River for a recreational trail and park. This appropriation is contingent on at least a $400,000 match of nonstate money. Prior to the acquisition, a phase 1 environmental assessment must be completed and the city must not accept any liability for previous contamination of lands acquired with this appropriation. new text end

new text begin (h) State Park and Trail Enhancement new text end

new text begin $1,228,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for enhancement of state parks and trails as follows: $614,000 is for enhancement of state parks and $614,000 is for enhancement of state trails. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, sections 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and 116P.09, subdivision 4. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin (i) Douglas County Regional Park new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Douglas County for park and trail planning, development, or acquisition for a regional park. The grant must be matched by other state or nonstate sources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end * (The preceding paragraph was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Administration new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 210,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin $135,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources, at the direction of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, for expenses incurred for contract agreement reimbursement for the agreements specified in this section. The commissioner shall provide documentation to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources on the expenditure of these funds. new text end

new text begin (b) Grants Management System new text end

new text begin $75,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for upgrading and modernizing a project records management system. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Availability of Appropriations new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may not be spent on activities unless they are directly related to and necessary for a specific appropriation and are specified in the work plan approved by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Money appropriated in this section must not be spent on indirect costs or other institutional overhead charges that are not directly related to and necessary for a specific appropriation. Costs that are directly related to and necessary for an appropriation, including financial services, human resources, information services, rent, and utilities, are eligible only if the costs can be clearly justified and individually documented specific to the appropriation's purpose and would not be generated by the recipient but for the receipt of the appropriation. No broad allocations for costs in either dollars or percentages are allowed. Unless otherwise provided, the amounts in this section are available until June 30, 2018, when projects must be completed and final products delivered. For acquisition of real property, the appropriations in this section are available for an additional fiscal year if a binding contract for acquisition of the real property is entered into before the expiration date of the appropriation. If a project receives a federal grant, the time period of the appropriation is extended to equal the federal grant period. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Data Availability Requirements new text end

new text begin Data collected by the projects funded under this section must conform to guidelines and standards adopted by MN.IT Services. Spatial data also must conform to additional guidelines and standards designed to support data coordination and distribution that have been published by the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office. Descriptions of spatial data must be prepared as specified in the state's geographic metadata guideline and must be submitted to the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office. All data must be accessible and free to the public unless made private under the Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13. To the extent practicable, summary data and results of projects funded under this section should be readily accessible on the Internet and identified as having received funding from the environment and natural resources trust fund. new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Project Requirements new text end

new text begin (a) As a condition of accepting an appropriation under this section, an agency or entity receiving an appropriation or a party to an agreement from an appropriation must comply with paragraphs (b) to (l) and Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P, and must submit a work plan and semiannual progress reports in the form determined by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for any project funded in whole or in part with funds from the appropriation. Modifications to the approved work plan and budget expenditures must be made through the amendment process established by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. new text end

new text begin (b) A recipient of money appropriated in this section that conducts a restoration using funds appropriated in this section must use native plant species according to the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines and include an appropriate diversity of native species selected to provide habitat for pollinators throughout the growing season as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.973. new text end

new text begin (c) For all restorations conducted with money appropriated under this section, a recipient must prepare an ecological restoration and management plan that, to the degree practicable, is consistent with the highest quality conservation and ecological goals for the restoration site. Consideration should be given to soil, geology, topography, and other relevant factors that would provide the best chance for long-term success and durability of the restoration project. The plan must include the proposed timetable for implementing the restoration, including site preparation, establishment of diverse plant species, maintenance, and additional enhancement to establish the restoration; identify long-term maintenance and management needs of the restoration and how the maintenance, management, and enhancement will be financed; and take advantage of the best available science and include innovative techniques to achieve the best restoration. new text end

new text begin (d) An entity receiving an appropriation in this section for restoration activities must provide an initial restoration evaluation at the completion of the appropriation and an evaluation three years beyond the completion of the expenditure. Restorations must be evaluated relative to the stated goals and standards in the restoration plan, current science, and, when applicable, the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. The evaluation must determine whether the restorations are meeting planned goals, identify any problems with the implementation of the restorations, and, if necessary, give recommendations on improving restorations. The evaluation must be focused on improving future restorations. new text end

new text begin (e) All restoration and enhancement projects funded with money appropriated in this section must be on land permanently protected by a conservation easement or public ownership. new text end

new text begin (f) A recipient of money from an appropriation under this section must give consideration to contracting with Conservation Corps Minnesota for contract restoration and enhancement services. new text end

new text begin (g) All conservation easements acquired with money appropriated under this section must: new text end

new text begin (1) be permanent; new text end

new text begin (2) specify the parties to an easement in the easement; new text end

new text begin (3) specify all of the provisions of an agreement that are permanent; new text end

new text begin (4) be sent to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources in an electronic format at least ten business days prior to closing; new text end

new text begin (5) include a long-term monitoring and enforcement plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the easement agreement; and new text end

new text begin (6) include requirements in the easement document to address specific groundwater and surface water quality protection activities such as keeping water on the landscape, reducing nutrient and contaminant loading, protecting groundwater, and not permitting artificial hydrological modifications. new text end

new text begin (h) For any acquisition of lands or interest in lands, a recipient of money appropriated under this section must not agree to pay more than 100 percent of the appraised value for a parcel of land using this money to complete the purchase, in part or in whole, except that up to ten percent above the appraised value may be allowed to complete the purchase, in part or in whole, using this money if permission is received in advance of the purchase from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. new text end

new text begin (i) For any acquisition of land or interest in land, a recipient of money appropriated under this section must give priority to high-quality natural resources or conservation lands that provide natural buffers to water resources. new text end

new text begin (j) For new lands acquired with money appropriated under this section, a recipient must prepare an ecological restoration and management plan in compliance with paragraph (c), including sufficient funding for implementation unless the work plan addresses why a portion of the money is not necessary to achieve a high-quality restoration. new text end

new text begin (k) To ensure public accountability for the use of public funds, within 60 days of the transaction, a recipient of money appropriated under this section must provide to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources documentation of the selection process used to identify parcels acquired and provide documentation of all related transaction costs, including but not limited to appraisals, legal fees, recording fees, commissions, other similar costs, and donations. This information must be provided for all parties involved in the transaction. The recipient must also report to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources any difference between the acquisition amount paid to the seller and the state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal, if a state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal was conducted. new text end

new text begin (l) A recipient of an appropriation from the trust fund under this section must acknowledge financial support from the Minnesota environment and natural resources trust fund in project publications, signage, and other public communications and outreach related to work completed using the appropriation. Acknowledgment may occur, as appropriate, through use of the trust fund logo or inclusion of language attributing support from the trust fund. Each direct recipient of money appropriated in this section, as well as each recipient of a grant awarded pursuant to this section, must satisfy all reporting and other requirements incumbent upon constitutionally dedicated funding recipients as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision 10, and chapter 116P. new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Payment Conditions and Capital Equipment Expenditures new text end

new text begin (a) All agreements, grants, or contracts referred to in this section must be administered on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise provided in this section. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.41, expenditures made on or after July 1, 2016, or the date the work plan is approved, whichever is later, are eligible for reimbursement unless otherwise provided in this section. Periodic payment must be made upon receiving documentation that the deliverable items articulated in the approved work plan have been achieved, including partial achievements as evidenced by approved progress reports. Reasonable amounts may be advanced to projects to accommodate cash flow needs or match federal money. The advances must be approved as part of the work plan. No expenditures for capital equipment are allowed unless expressly authorized in the project work plan. new text end

new text begin (b) Single-source contracts as specified in the approved work plan are allowed. new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Purchase of Recycled and Recyclable Materials new text end

new text begin A political subdivision, public or private corporation, or other entity that receives an appropriation under this section must use the appropriation in compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.0725, regarding purchase of recycled, repairable, and durable materials; and Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.073, regarding purchase and use of paper stock and printing. new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Guidelines new text end

new text begin A recipient to whom an appropriation is made under this section for a capital improvement project must ensure that the project complies with the applicable energy conservation and sustainable building guidelines and standards contained in law, including Minnesota Statutes, sections 16B.325, 216C.19, and 216C.20, and rules adopted under those sections. The recipient may use the energy planning, advocacy, and State Energy Office units of the Department of Commerce to obtain information and technical assistance on energy conservation and alternative energy development relating to the planning and construction of the capital improvement project. new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Accessibility new text end

new text begin Structural and nonstructural facilities must meet the design standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines. new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Carryforward new text end

new text begin (a) The availability of the appropriations for the following projects are extended to June 30, 2017: new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), County Geologic Atlases - Part B; new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (d), Metropolitan Conservation Corridors (MeCC) - Phase VII, $400,000 for the agreement with the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc. only; new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (i), Conservation Grazing to Improve Wildlife Habitat on Wildlife Management Areas; new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), Assessment of Natural Copper-Nickel Bedrocks on Water Quality; new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (f), Evaluation of Lake Superior Water Quality Health; new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (c), Improving Emerald Ash Borer Detection Efficacy for Control; new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2014, chapter 226, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph (l), Rainwater Reuse and Valuation Investigation; new text end

new text begin (8) Laws 2014, chapter 226, section 2, subdivision 10, paragraph (c), Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for upgrade and modernization of a project records management system; and new text end

new text begin (9) Laws 2014, chapter 226, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (b), Innovative Groundwater-Enhanced Geothermal Heat Pump Study. new text end

new text begin (b) The availability of the appropriations for the following projects are extended to June 30, 2018: new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2014, chapter 226, section 2, subdivision 7, paragraph (e), Martin County Park and Natural Area Acquisition; and new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2015, chapter 76, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (d), Preventing Phosphorous, Nitrogen and Pesticides from Entering Water Resources through Drain Tiles. new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Waiver of Deadlines new text end

new text begin Any deadlines established by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for submission of proposals for the commission's fiscal year 2018 funding recommendations are waived until June 26, 2016, for proposals requesting $750,000 or more. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 116P.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Membership.

(a) A Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources of 17 members is created in the legislative branch, consisting of the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees on environment and natural resources finance or designees appointed for the terms of the chairs, four members of the senate appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, and four members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker.

At least two members from the senate and two members from the house of representatives must be from the minority caucus. Members are entitled to reimbursement for per diem expenses plus travel expenses incurred in the services of the commission.

Seven citizens are members of the commission, five appointed by the governor, one appointed by the Senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, and one appointed by the speaker of the house. The citizen members are selected and recommended to the appointing authorities according to subdivision 1a and must:

(1) have experience or expertise in the science, policy, or practice of the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources;

(2) have strong knowledge in the state's environment and natural resource issues around the state; and

(3) have demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment.

(b) Members shall develop procedures to elect a chair that rotates between legislative and citizen membersnew text begin each meetingnew text end . new text begin A citizen member, a senate member, and a house of representatives member shall serve as chairs. The citizen members, senate members, and house of representatives members must select their respective chairs. new text end The chair shall preside and convene meetings as often as necessary to conduct duties prescribed by this chapter.

(c) Appointed legislative members shall serve on the commission for two-year terms, beginning in January of each odd-numbered year and continuing through the end of December of the next even-numbered year. Appointed citizen members shall serve four-year terms, beginning in January of the first year and continuing through the end of December of the final year. Citizen and legislative members continue to serve until their successors are appointed.

(d) A citizen member may be removed by an appointing authority for cause. Vacancies occurring on the commission shall not affect the authority of the remaining members of the commission to carry out their duties, and vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner under paragraph (a).

deleted text begin (e) Citizen members shall be initially appointed according to the following schedule of terms: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) two members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first Monday in January 2010; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) one member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January 2010 and one member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending the first Monday in January 2010; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) two members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first Monday in January 2009; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) one member appointed by the governor for a term ending the first Monday in January 2008. deleted text end

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end Citizen members are entitled to per diem and reimbursement for expenses incurred in the services of the commission, as provided in section 15.059, subdivision 3.

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end The governor's appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 116P.08, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Public meetings.

(a) Meetings of the commission, committees or subcommittees of the commission, technical advisory committees, and peer reviewers must be open to the publicnew text begin and are subject to chapter 13Dnew text end . The commission shall attempt to meet throughout various regions of the state during each biennium. For purposes of this subdivision, a meeting occurs when a quorum is present and action is taken regarding a matter within the jurisdiction of the commission, a committee or subcommittee of the commission, a technical advisory committee, or peer reviewers.

(b) For legislative members of the commission, enforcement of this subdivision is governed by section 3.055, subdivision 2. For nonlegislative members of the commission, enforcement of this subdivision is governed by section 13D.06, subdivisions 1 and 2.

Sec. 5.

new text begin [116P.19] DONATIONS. new text end

new text begin A recipient of money from the trust fund must not accept a monetary donation or payment from an owner of land that is acquired in fee in whole or in part with an appropriation from the trust fund that exceeds the documented expenses that are directly related to and necessary for activities specified in the work plan approved by the commission, unless expressly approved by the commission in the work plan. This section does not apply to: new text end

new text begin (1) donations that are not connected with the acquisition transaction; or new text end

new text begin (2) bargain sales, as defined by Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.1011-2, provided that the purchase price reimbursed by the state does not exceed the purchase price paid by the recipient. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [116P.20] EASEMENT MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS. new text end

new text begin A recipient of money appropriated from the trust fund for easement monitoring and enforcement may spend the money only on activities included in an easement monitoring and enforcement plan contained within the work plan. Money received for monitoring and enforcement, including earnings on the money received, must be kept in a monitoring and enforcement fund held by the recipient and dedicated to monitoring and enforcing conservation easements in Minnesota. A recipient of an appropriation for easement monitoring and enforcement must, within 120 days after the close of the recipient's fiscal year, provide an annual financial report to the commission or the commission's successor on the easement monitoring and enforcement fund as specified in the work plan. Money appropriated from the trust fund for monitoring and enforcement of easements and earnings on the money appropriated revert to the state if: new text end

new text begin (1) the easement transfers to the state; new text end

new text begin (2) the recipient fails to file an annual financial report and then fails to cure the default within 30 days of notification of the default by the state; or new text end

new text begin (3) the recipient fails to comply with the terms of the monitoring and enforcement plan contained within the work plan and fails to cure the default within 90 days of notification of the default by the state. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 137.025, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin Appropriations from Minnesota environment and natural resources trust fund. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of management and budget shall pay no money to the University of Minnesota pursuant to a direct appropriation from the Minnesota environment and natural resources trust fund until the University of Minnesota requests reimbursement for expenditures related to the direct appropriation. The reimbursement request shall specify expenditures by appropriation. The commissioner of management and budget shall reimburse the University of Minnesota by the 25th day of the month following the reimbursement request. If the 25th day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the payment must be made by the first business day immediately following the 25th day of the month. new text end

new text begin (b) For each year the appropriation is available, the University of Minnesota must submit an encumbrance request to the commissioner of management and budget by July 31 for the prior fiscal year. The encumbrance request shall identify the amount the university anticipates it will request for reimbursement for expenses in the prior fiscal year by appropriation. The commissioner of management and budget shall maintain this amount as an encumbrance at the state level until the university submits its final reimbursement request for that fiscal year. new text end

new text begin (c) Final requests for reimbursement must be made within 90 days from the last day the appropriation is available to reimburse expenditures. new text end

Presented to the governor May 24, 2016

Signed by the governor May 31, 2016, 10:26 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes