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

                            CHAPTER 216-H.F.No. 2150 
                  An act relating to the organization and operation of 
                  state government; appropriating money for 
                  environmental, natural resource, and agricultural 
                  purposes; providing for regulation of certain 
                  activities and practices; providing for accounts, 
                  assessments, and fees; amending Minnesota Statutes 
                  1996, sections 17.03, by adding a subdivision; 17.101; 
                  17.116, subdivisions 2 and 3; 17.4988; 17.76; 18.79, 
                  by adding a subdivision; 18C.421, subdivision 1; 
                  18C.425, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, and 6; 18C.531, 
                  subdivision 2; 18C.551; 25.31; 25.32; 25.33, 
                  subdivisions 1, 5, 6, 9, 20, and by adding 
                  subdivisions; 25.35; 25.36; 25.37; 25.38; 25.39; 
                  25.41, subdivision 6; 28A.08, subdivision 3; 32.103; 
                  32.394, subdivision 11; 32.415; 41A.09, subdivision 
                  3a; 84.027, by adding a subdivision; 84.0273; 84.0887, 
                  subdivision 2; 84.82, subdivision 3; 84.86, 
                  subdivision 1; 85.015, by adding subdivisions; 85.055, 
                  by adding a subdivision; 85A.04, subdivision 4; 
                  86A.23; 88.79, by adding a subdivision; 92.06, 
                  subdivisions 1 and 4; 92.16, subdivision 1; 94.10, 
                  subdivision 2; 97A.015, by adding a subdivision; 
                  97A.028, subdivisions 1 and 3; 97A.075, subdivision 1; 
                  97A.405, subdivision 2; 97A.415, subdivision 2; 
                  97A.475; 97B.667; 97B.715, subdivision 1; 97B.721; 
                  97B.801; 97C.305, subdivision 1; 97C.501, subdivision 
                  2; 97C.801; 103C.501, subdivision 6; 103F.378, 
                  subdivision 1; 115.03, by adding a subdivision; 
                  115A.54, subdivision 2a; 115A.912, by adding a 
                  subdivision; 115A.916; 115A.932, subdivision 1; 
                  115B.02, subdivision 16, and by adding a subdivision; 
                  115B.17, subdivisions 14, 15, and by adding 
                  subdivisions; 115B.175, subdivisions 2 and 6a; 
                  115B.412, subdivision 10; 115B.48, subdivisions 3 and 
                  8; 115B.49, subdivision 4; 116.07, subdivision 4d, and 
                  by adding a subdivision; 116.92, by adding a 
                  subdivision; 116C.834, subdivision 2; 116O.09, 
                  subdivisions 2, 5, and 9; 216B.2423, by adding a 
                  subdivision; 216C.41, subdivision 1; 223.17, 
                  subdivision 3; 300.111, by adding a subdivision; 308A.101, by adding a 
                  subdivision; 308A.201, by adding a subdivision; 325E.10, subdivision 2, 
                  and by adding 
                  subdivisions; 325E.11; 325E.112, subdivision 2; 
                  394.25, subdivision 2, and by adding a subdivision; 
                  and 462.357, subdivision 1; Laws 1995, chapter 220, 
                  section 19, subdivisions 4, as amended; and 11; 
                  proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, 
                  chapters 17; 25; 84; 92; 94; 115; 116; 219; and 394; 
                  repealing Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 25.34; 
                  115A.908, subdivision 3; 115A.9523; 115B.223; 
                  115B.224; 116.991; 116.992; and 296.02, subdivision 
                  7a; Laws 1995, chapters 77, section 3; and 220, 
                  section 21. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
        Section 1.  [ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS.] 
           The sums shown in the columns marked "APPROPRIATIONS" are 
        appropriated from the general fund, or another named fund, to 
        the agencies and for the purposes specified in this act, to be 
        available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.  The 
        figures "1997," "1998," and "1999," where used in this act, mean 
        that the appropriation or appropriations listed under them are 
        available for the year ending June 30, 1997, June 30, 1998, or 
        June 30, 1999, respectively.  
                                SUMMARY BY FUND
                     1997        1998           1999          TOTAL
        General   $500,000    $193,603,000   $175,725,000  $369,828,000
        Petroleum Tank           3,177,000      3,227,000     6,404,000
        State Government
        Special Revenue             42,000         43,000        85,000
        Special Revenue         11,204,000     11,209,000    22,413,000
        Environmental           20,569,000     21,292,000    41,861,000
        Metro Landfill 
        Contingency Trust          137,000        140,000       277,000
        Solid Waste              6,224,000      6,283,000    12,507,000
        Natural
        Resources   600,000     22,989,000     23,435,000    47,024,000
        Game and Fish           53,986,000     56,354,000   110,340,000
        Minnesota      
        Future Resources        14,668,000        -0-        14,668,000
        Environmental Trust     22,270,000        -0-        22,270,000
        Great Lakes  
        Protection                 120,000        -0-           120,000 
        Oil Overcharge             150,000        -0-           150,000
        TOTAL    1,100,000     349,139,000    297,708,000   647,947,000
                                                   APPROPRIATIONS 
                                               Available for the Year 
                                                   Ending June 30 
                                                  1998         1999 
        Sec. 2.  POLLUTION CONTROL    
        AGENCY  
        Subdivision 1.  Total           
        Appropriation                         44,351,000    42,347,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              15,117,000    12,294,000
        Petroleum Tank        3,177,000     3,227,000
        State Government   
        Special Revenue          42,000        43,000
        Special Revenue         740,000       755,000
        Environmental        19,014,000    19,705,000
        Metro Landfill
        Contingency             137,000       140,000
        Solid Waste           6,124,000     6,183,000
        The amounts that may be spent from this 
        appropriation for each program are 
        specified in the following subdivisions.
        Subd. 2.  Protection of the Water 
            14,119,000     11,308,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              11,581,000     8,709,000
        State Government
        Special Revenue          42,000        43,000
        Environmental         2,496,000     2,556,000
        $1,946,000 the first year is for grants 
        to local units of government for the 
        clean water partnership program.  Any 
        unencumbered balance remaining in the 
        first year does not cancel and is 
        available for the second year of the 
        biennium. 
        $515,000 the first year and $519,000 
        the second year are for the Minnesota 
        River nonpoint source pollution program 
        and must be matched by federal dollars. 
        Of this amount, $855,000 in each fiscal 
        year is for grants for county 
        administration of the feedlot permit 
        program.  This amount is transferred to 
        the board of water and soil resources 
        for disbursement in accordance with 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.3369, 
        in cooperation with the pollution 
        control agency.  Grants must be matched 
        with a combination of local cash and/or 
        in-kind contributions.  Counties 
        receiving these grants shall submit an 
        annual report to the pollution control 
        agency regarding activities conducted 
        under the grant, expenditures made, and 
        local match contributions.  First 
        priority for funding shall be given to 
        counties that have requested and 
        received delegation from the pollution 
        control agency for processing of animal 
        feedlot permit applications under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 116.07, 
        subdivision 7.  Delegated counties 
        shall be eligible to receive a grant of 
        either:  $30 multiplied by the number 
        of livestock or poultry farms with 
        sales greater than $10,000, as reported 
        in the 1992 Census of Agriculture, 
        published by the United States Bureau 
        of Census; or $35 multiplied by the 
        number of feedlots with greater than 
        ten animal units as determined by a 
        level 2 or level 3 feedlot inventory 
        conducted in accordance with the 
        Feedlot Inventory Guidebook published 
        by the board of water and soil 
        resources, dated June 1991.  To receive 
        the additional funding that is based on 
        the county feedlot inventory, the 
        county shall submit a copy of the 
        inventory to the pollution control 
        agency.  Any remaining money is for 
        distribution to all counties on a 
        competitive basis through the challenge 
        grant process for the conducting of 
        feedlot inventories, development of 
        delegated county feedlot programs, and 
        for information and education or 
        technical assistance efforts to reduce 
        feedlot-related pollution hazards.  Any 
        money remaining after the first year is 
        available for the second year. 
        $163,000 the first year and $92,000 the 
        second year are for compliance 
        activities and air quality monitoring 
        to address hydrogen sulfide emissions 
        from animal feedlots.  The air quality 
        monitoring must include the use of 
        portable survey instruments. 
        $200,000 is for a grant to the Red 
        river basin board to develop a Red 
        river basin plan that will aid in 
        coordinating water management 
        activities in the states and provinces 
        bordering the Red river.  This 
        appropriation is only available to the 
        extent it is matched by an equal amount 
        from the state of North Dakota.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 1999.  This is a one-time 
        appropriation. 
        $1,027,000 the first year and 
        $1,038,000 the second year are for 
        water monitoring activities.  Of these 
        amounts, $250,000 the first year and 
        $300,000 the second year are for 
        payment of a grant to the metropolitan 
        council for monitoring sites on the 
        Minnesota river and tributaries, 
        automated monitoring sites in 
        metropolitan area watersheds, and 
        groundwater trend analysis assessment 
        of best management practices for 
        control of nonpoint source pollution. 
        $300,000 the first year is for an 
        appropriation to the pollution control 
        agency for a grant to the University of 
        Minnesota for the development of two 
        pilot water quality cooperatives that 
        own or control alternative discharging 
        sewage systems, as defined in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 115.58, subdivision 
        1, paragraph (b).  The grant may be 
        used by the university for public 
        education of the purposes and benefits 
        of water quality treatment and 
        management by water quality 
        cooperatives and other purposes defined 
        as eligible costs under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 116.16, subdivision 
        2, clause (6), and capital cost 
        components under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 471A.02, subdivision 3.  As a 
        condition of this grant, the university 
        must submit a work program and submit 
        semiannual progress reports as provided 
        in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.05, 
        subdivision 2, paragraph (c). 
        $100,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to the University of Minnesota 
        Extension Service for public education 
        programs in Nicollet county which 
        promote improved farm management 
        practices on feedlot management and 
        watershed protection. 
        $861,000 the first year and $648,000 
        the second year are added to the amount 
        available to administer the point 
        source pollution program.  The portion 
        of this appropriation to be included in 
        the agency's base for fiscal year 2000 
        is $490,000 and for fiscal year 2001 is 
        $348,000. 
        $236,000 the first year and $318,000 
        the second year are for community 
        technical assistance and education, 
        including grants and technical 
        assistance to communities for local and 
        basin-wide water quality protection. 
        $144,000 the first year and $200,000 
        the second year are for individual 
        sewage treatment system (ISTS) 
        administration.  $86,000 in the second 
        year is transferred to the board of 
        water and soil resources for assistance 
        to local units of government through 
        competitive grant programs for ISTS 
        program development. 
        $214,000 is for administration of the 
        wastewater infrastructure fund (WIF) 
        construction program. 
        Notwithstanding Laws 1994, chapter 617, 
        section 3, paragraph (b), the amount 
        spent of the $120,000 appropriation 
        from the environmental fund for the 
        ISTS program during the biennium ending 
        June 30, 1995, must be reimbursed to 
        the environmental fund no later than 
        June 30, 1999. 
        $140,000 the first year and $60,000 the 
        second year are for the investigation 
        of deformed frogs in Minnesota, and may 
        be used for cooperative arrangements 
        with federal agencies.  This is a 
        one-time appropriation. 
        Subd. 3.  Protection of the Air 
             7,724,000      8,260,000
                      Summary by Fund
        Environmental         6,984,000     7,505,000
        Special Revenue         740,000       755,000
        Up to $150,000 in the first year and 
        $150,000 in the second year may be 
        transferred to the small business 
        environmental improvement loan account 
        established in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 116.994. 
        $200,000 each year from the 
        environmental fund is for a monitoring 
        program under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 116.454. 
        Upon enactment of the air quality fee 
        increase contained in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 116.07, subdivision 
        4d, as amended by this act, the 
        commissioner shall appoint an advisory 
        task force to examine the air quality 
        program.  The task force must include 
        representatives of permittees regulated 
        by the agency, environmental interest 
        groups, and labor organizations.  By 
        January 15, 1999, the committee shall 
        report to the chairs of the senate 
        state government finance committee, the 
        house ways and means committee, the 
        house and senate environmental policy 
        committees, the house environment and 
        natural resources finance committee, 
        and the senate environment and 
        agriculture budget division.  After 
        making the report, the task force shall 
        be dissolved. 
        The report shall include a benchmarking 
        comparison with other states of the 
        following air quality service level 
        criteria:  (1) the length of time and 
        staff effort required to issue permits; 
        (2) the backlog of permit applications; 
        (3) the number of facility inspections 
        per inspector; and (4) the nature and 
        effectiveness of training and 
        monitoring programs. In addition, the 
        report shall include:  (1) a 
        recommendation for a reporting 
        mechanism which provides tracking of 
        staff time and resources devoted to 
        point source, mobile source, and area 
        source general program activities; (2) 
        an analysis of inequities in the 
        current air emissions fee system; and 
        (3) recommendations regarding mobile 
        source, area source, and point source 
        contributions and general air program 
        activity. 
        Subd. 4.  Protection of the 
        Land 
            15,617,000     15,839,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               1,679,000     1,699,000
        Petroleum Tank        2,744,000     2,785,000
        Environmental         6,101,000     6,142,000
        Metro Landfill 
        Contingency             129,000       132,000
        Solid Waste           4,964,000     5,081,000
        All money in the environmental 
        response, compensation, and compliance 
        account in the environmental fund not 
        otherwise appropriated is appropriated 
        to the commissioners of the pollution 
        control agency and the department of 
        agriculture for purposes of Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 115B.20, subdivision 
        2, clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (11), 
        (12), and (13).  At the beginning of 
        each fiscal year, the two commissioners 
        shall jointly submit an annual spending 
        plan to the commissioner of finance 
        that maximizes the utilization of 
        resources and appropriately allocates 
        the money between the two agencies.  
        This appropriation is available until 
        June 30, 1999. 
        Any unencumbered balance from the 
        metropolitan landfill contingency 
        action trust fund remaining in the 
        first year does not cancel but is 
        available for the second year. 
        $51,000 the first year and $52,000 the 
        second year are from the solid waste 
        fund for transfer to the commissioner 
        of revenue to enhance compliance and 
        collection of solid waste assessments. 
        The agency's annual performance reports 
        required for this biennium under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 15.91, must 
        specify the amount of lead, mercury, 
        and cadmium contained in sewage 
        biosolids spread on the land after 
        wastewater treatment. 
        Subd. 5.  General Support 
             6,891,000      6,940,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               1,857,000     1,886,000
        Petroleum Tank          433,000       442,000
        Environmental         3,433,000     3,502,000
        Metro Landfill
        Contingency               8,000         8,000
        Solid Waste           1,160,000     1,102,000
        $234,000 the first year and $168,000 
        the second year are added to the amount 
        available for indirect costs of the 
        water quality point source pollution 
        program.  The portion of this 
        appropriation to be included in the 
        agency's base for fiscal year 2000 is 
        $130,000 and for fiscal year 2001 is 
        $92,000. 
        $85,000 is from the solid waste fund 
        for a grant to Benton county to pay the 
        principal amount due in fiscal year 
        1998 on bonds issued by the county to 
        pay part of a final order or settlement 
        of a lawsuit for environmental response 
        costs at a mixed municipal solid waste 
        facility. 
        Sec. 3.  OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL 
        ASSISTANCE                            20,497,000     20,595,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              19,211,000    19,277,000
        Environmental         1,286,000     1,318,000
        $14,008,000 the first year and 
        $14,008,000 the second year are for the 
        SCORE block grants to counties. 
        Any unencumbered grant and loan 
        balances in the first year do not 
        cancel but are available for grants and 
        loans in the second year. 
        All money in the metropolitan landfill 
        abatement account in the environmental 
        fund not otherwise appropriated is 
        appropriated to the office of 
        environmental assistance for the 
        purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 
        473.844. 
        Sec. 4.  ZOOLOGICAL BOARD 
        Subdivision 1.  Total
        Appropriation                          5,535,000      5,368,000
        The amounts that may be spent from this 
        appropriation are specified in the 
        following subdivisions. 
        Subd. 2.  Biological Programs
               666,000        676,000 
        Subd. 3.  Operations
             4,869,000      4,692,000 
        $240,000 in the first year is for 
        computer systems.  
        Sec. 5.  NATURAL RESOURCES 
        Subdivision 1.  Total 
        Appropriation                        188,063,000    180,580,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General             111,019,000   100,723,000
        Natural Resources    22,958,000    23,403,000
        Game and Fish        53,986,000    56,354,000
        Solid Waste             100,000       100,000
        The amounts that may be spent from this 
        appropriation for each program are 
        specified in the following subdivisions.
        Subd. 2.  Mineral Resources Management
             5,299,000      4,883,000
        $311,000 the first year and $311,000 
        the second year are for iron ore 
        cooperative research, of which $225,000 
        the first year and $225,000 the second 
        year are available only as matched by 
        $1 of nonstate money for each $1 of 
        state money.  Any unencumbered balance 
        remaining in the first year does not 
        cancel but is available for the second 
        year. 
        $376,000 the first year and $377,000 
        the second year are for mineral 
        diversification.  Any unencumbered 
        balance remaining in the first year 
        does not cancel but is available for 
        the second year.  
        $46,000 the first year and $47,000 the 
        second year are for minerals 
        cooperative environmental research, of 
        which $30,000 the first year and 
        $30,000 the second year are available 
        only as matched by $1 of nonstate money 
        for each $1 of state money.  Any 
        unencumbered balance remaining in the 
        first year does not cancel but is 
        available for the second year. 
        $500,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to develop a direct reduction iron 
        processing facility in Minnesota.  This 
        appropriation is available until July 
        1, 1999. 
        Subd. 3.  Water Resources Management 
            11,002,000      9,560,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              10,751,000     9,304,000
        Natural Resources       251,000       256,000
        $95,000 the first year and $95,000 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 its 
        jurisdiction.  
        $17,000 the first year and $17,000 the 
        second year are for payment to the 
        Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians to 
        implement its portion of the 
        comprehensive plan for the upper 
        Mississippi.  
        $400,000 the first year and $500,000 
        the second year are for water 
        monitoring activities, including 
        gauging of priority lakes and 
        watersheds, dissemination of 
        information, replacement of equipment, 
        and installation of observation wells, 
        groundwater sensitivity maps, and 
        documentation. 
        $70,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to the city of Granite Falls, not to 
        exceed 50 percent of the nonfederal 
        share of costs for restoration of the 
        banks of the Minnesota river within the 
        city limits. 
        $400,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to the St. Paul Foundation for 
        restoring native vegetation along the 
        Mississippi river through the Greening 
        the Great River Park Project.  Money is 
        available for the grant to the extent 
        matched by an expenditure of money from 
        nonstate sources for the project until 
        June 30, 1999. 
        $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the 
        second year are for a grant to the 
        joint powers board established under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59, for 
        the Lewis and Clark rural water 
        system.  The joint powers board must 
        prepare an annual work plan that 
        identifies actions to be taken to 
        advance the Lewis and Clark project as 
        a continuing source of water to meet 
        water supply needs in the southwest 
        part of the state.  The work plan must 
        include a report on the ongoing efforts 
        of member cities and rural water 
        systems to conserve water and protect 
        existing groundwater supplies.  The 
        work plan is subject to review and 
        approval by the commissioner.  This 
        appropriation is available to the 
        extent matched by an equal amount of 
        nonstate money. 
        Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 103G.271, subdivision 6, 
        paragraph (g), all water appropriation 
        fees collected from July 1, 1997, to 
        July 1, 1999, shall be deposited in the 
        general fund. 
        $100,000 is for a mediation process 
        regarding flood damage reduction issues 
        in the Red river basin.  The 
        commissioner, the Red River Watershed 
        Management Board, and additional 
        parties selected in an equal number by 
        the commissioner and by the board are 
        the parties to the mediation.  All 
        parties to the mediation must consent 
        to the expenditure of any funds by the 
        commissioner for the mediation process. 
        This is a one-time appropriation. 
        $190,000 is for a grant to the city of 
        East Grand Forks for a river bank 
        stabilization project on the Red River 
        of the North and the Red Lake river.  
        The appropriation is available until 
        June 30, 1999, to the extent matched by 
        an equal amount of nonstate money. 
        $376,000 is for a grant to the city of 
        Marshall for its flood control 
        project.  $70,000 is for the Lake 
        Charlotte project in Wright county.  
        Prior to these funds being made 
        available, the commissioner must ensure 
        that the project sponsor has held a 
        public hearing in each affected 
        watershed after the date of enactment 
        of this section. 
        $500,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to the city of Thief River Falls for 
        dredging projects within the city on 
        the Red Lake river and the Thief 
        river.  The appropriation is available 
        until June 30, 1999, to the extent 
        matched by an equal amount of nonstate 
        money. 
        Subd. 4.  Forest Management 
            34,786,000     33,750,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              34,343,000    33,298,000
        Natural Resources       443,000       452,000
        $3,500,000 the first year and 
        $3,500,000 the second year are for 
        presuppression and suppression costs of 
        emergency fire fighting.  If the 
        appropriation for either year is 
        insufficient to cover all costs of 
        suppression, the amount necessary to 
        pay for emergency firefighting expenses 
        during the biennium is appropriated 
        from the general fund.  If money is 
        spent under the appropriation in the 
        preceding sentence, the commissioner of 
        natural resources shall, by 15 days 
        after the end of the following quarter, 
        report on how the money was spent to 
        the chairs of the house of 
        representatives ways and means 
        committee, the environment and 
        agriculture budget division of the 
        senate environment and natural 
        resources committee, and the house of 
        representatives environment and natural 
        resources finance committee.  The 
        appropriations may not be transferred.  
        $600,000 the first year and $600,000 
        the second year are for programs and 
        practices on state, county, and private 
        lands to regenerate and protect 
        Minnesota's white pine.  Up to $280,000 
        of the appropriation in each year may 
        be used by the commissioner to provide 
        50 percent matching funds to implement 
        cultural practices for white pine 
        management on nonindustrial, private 
        forest lands at rates specified in the 
        Minnesota stewardship incentives 
        program manual.  Up to $150,000 of the 
        appropriation in each year may be used 
        by the commissioner to provide funds to 
        implement cultural practices for white 
        pine management on county-administered 
        lands through grant agreements with 
        individual counties, with priorities 
        for areas that experienced wind damage 
        in July 1995.  $40,000 each year is for 
        a study of the natural regeneration 
        process of white pine.  The remainder 
        of the funds in each fiscal year will 
        be available to the commissioner for 
        white pine regeneration and protection 
        on department-administered lands. 
        $150,000 the first year and $150,000 
        the second year is appropriated to the 
        commissioner for a grant to the 
        University of Minnesota's College of 
        Natural Resources for research to 
        reduce the impact of blister rust on 
        Minnesota's white pine. 
        $300,000 is for grants to the counties 
        of Becker, Clearwater, and Hubbard for 
        reforestation, timber stand 
        improvements, aerial photography, and 
        new forest inventories in areas damaged 
        by windstorms in July 1995.  The 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 1999.  Of this amount, $33,000 is 
        for Becker county, $87,000 for Hubbard 
        county, and $180,000 for Clearwater 
        county. 
        $750,000 the first year is for the 
        corps to career community service 
        program established in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 84.0887, subdivision 
        2.  This appropriation is subject to 
        the receipt of education awards from 
        the national service trust for the 
        participants.  This appropriation may 
        be used for administering the program 
        and for providing a monthly stipend for 
        a living allowance as provided in 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 121.707, 
        subdivision 5.  Eligible participants 
        in the program may provide only 
        services authorized in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 84.0887, subdivision 
        1, clauses (1) to (12).  To the extent 
        that service opportunities are not 
        suitable under subdivision 1, 
        participants may provide services under 
        subdivision 2.  Up to seven percent of 
        this appropriation is available for the 
        cost of health and child care coverage 
        for eligible participants and their 
        dependents, to the extent such coverage 
        is not otherwise available. 
        $250,000 the first year is for grants 
        to local community forest ecosystem 
        health programs.  The appropriations 
        are available until June 30, 1999.  The 
        commissioner of natural resources shall 
        allocate individual grants of up to 
        $10,000 to local communities that have 
        matching nonstate money available to 
        undertake projects that improve the 
        health of forest ecosystems, including 
        insect and disease suppression 
        programs, community-based forest health 
        education programs, and other 
        arboricultural treatments.  This is a 
        one-time appropriation. 
        $60,000 the first year and $60,000 the 
        second year are for the focus on 
        community forests program, to provide 
        communities with natural resources 
        technical assistance. 
        $200,000 the first year is for the 
        Minnesota Releaf program to provide 
        matching grants to local communities to 
        plant predominantly native trees.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 1999, and is a one-time 
        appropriation. 
        $50,000 the first year is to develop 
        guidelines for communities and best 
        management practices for developers and 
        landowners in order to increase the 
        protection of woodlands being lost 
        through urbanization. 
        $1,018,000 the first year and 
        $1,030,000 the second year are for 
        implementation of the activities under 
        Minnesota Statutes, chapter 89A, 
        including the generic environmental 
        impact statement on timber harvesting.  
        Up to $240,000 the first year and 
        $190,000 the second year are available 
        for grants to the University of 
        Minnesota college of natural resources' 
        continuing education center, county 
        land departments for participation in 
        the Interagency Information 
        Cooperative, and for forest research 
        projects identified by the Minnesota 
        Forest Resources Council's research 
        advisory committee. 
        The commissioner must report to the 
        chairs of the house and senate 
        environment and natural resources 
        finance committee and division, by 
        February 1998, detailing progress 
        toward implementation of the 
        comprehensive timber harvesting and 
        forest management guidelines, and the 
        establishment of a framework for 
        conducting landscape-based forest 
        resource planning and coordination 
        under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 89A.  
        By December 31, 1998, the council must 
        submit its fully integrated and 
        comprehensive timber harvest guidelines 
        to the senate environment and 
        agriculture budget division and the 
        house environment and natural resources 
        finance committee. 
        Subd. 5.  Parks and Recreation 
        Management 
            27,033,000     26,870,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              26,402,000    26,238,000
        Natural Resources       631,000       632,000
        $631,000 the first year and $632,000 
        the second year are from the water 
        recreation account in the natural 
        resources fund for state park 
        development projects.  If the 
        appropriation in either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation for the 
        other year is available for it. 
        $3,000,000 the first year and 
        $3,000,000 the second year are for 
        payment of a grant to the metropolitan 
        council for metropolitan area regional 
        parks maintenance and operation. 
        $500,000 the first year is for state 
        park and recreation area acquisition, 
        development, and rehabilitation. 
        $75,000 the first year is for predesign 
        and design for a Minnesota rock, gem, 
        and mineral interpretative center to be 
        located within Moose Lake state park 
        near prime rock collecting areas.  The 
        commissioner shall initiate the 
        architectural and engineering design 
        for the center.  The focal point of the 
        center shall be the display of Lake 
        Superior agates as well as rocks, gems, 
        minerals, and geologic artifacts 
        indigenous to Minnesota.  The 
        commissioner shall consult with the 
        Minnesota geological survey and members 
        of state and local rock, gem, and 
        mineral associations on the design of 
        the center.  The commissioner may 
        accept for display at the center rocks, 
        gems, minerals, and geologic artifacts 
        collected by individuals and 
        associations and shall enter into any 
        loan agreements necessary to protect 
        all parties from liability for loss or 
        damage to items loaned for display.  
        The commissioner shall prepare 
        information for visitors describing 
        geologic field trips and local rock 
        collecting opportunities and, in 
        addition, shall display and provide 
        written information on other areas of 
        the state that provide prime rock, gem, 
        and mineral collecting opportunities.  
        The commissioner shall consult with the 
        Minnesota Geological Society as well as 
        state and local rock, gem, and mineral 
        associations on the location of prime 
        collection sites and on the preparation 
        of field trip literature.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 1999. 
        Subd. 6.  Trails and Waterways 
        Management 
            18,129,000     15,760,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               4,672,000     2,227,000
        Natural Resources    12,178,000    12,482,000
        Game and Fish         1,279,000     1,051,000
        $4,649,000 the first year and 
        $4,649,000 the second year are from the 
        snowmobile trails and enforcement 
        account in the natural resources fund 
        for snowmobile grants-in-aid.  Also, 
        $600,000 each year is from the general 
        fund for snowmobile grants-in-aid. 
        The commissioner shall study improved 
        paving methods for state trails that 
        prevent wear from snowmobile and other 
        uses, including the use of improved 
        paving materials and the application of 
        coatings to existing paved trails.  The 
        commissioner must report on the results 
        of the study to the house environment 
        and natural resources finance 
        committee, the senate environment and 
        agriculture budget division, and the 
        house and senate environment and 
        natural resources committees by 
        December 15, 1998. 
        $252,000 the first year and $254,000 
        the second year are from the water 
        recreation account in the natural 
        resources fund for a safe harbor 
        program on Lake Superior.  Any 
        unencumbered balance at the end of the 
        first year does not cancel and is 
        available for the second year.  
        $400,000 the first year is for the 
        Taconite Harbor safe harbor project.  
        This appropriation is available until 
        expended.  The legislature intends that 
        future appropriations will be 
        contingent on receipt of an equal 
        amount of nonstate matching money for 
        the total project. 
        $30,000 in the first year is for an 
        upgrade of the horse rider section of 
        the Heartland trail to permit use by 
        snowmobiles equipped with metal studs. 
        $300,000 the first year is to provide 
        safe crossings along the Gateway 
        segment of the Willard Munger trail in 
        North St. Paul and parking enhancements.
        $600,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to Ramsey county for a connection from 
        the city of Roseville trail system to 
        the Gateway segment of the Willard 
        Munger trail. 
        $340,000 the first year is for trail 
        improvements.  Of this amount, $128,000 
        is to develop the western extension of 
        the Root river state trail in the 
        Blufflands trail system and $212,000 is 
        to construct a parking lot at the 
        Harmony trailhead. 
        $300,000 the first year is to provide 
        increased access to lakes and rivers 
        statewide through the provision of 
        fishing piers and shoreline access.  
        One-half of the amount is for access 
        within the seven-county metropolitan 
        area.  This is a one-time appropriation.
        $500,000 is for grants of up to 
        $250,000 for locally funded trails of 
        regional significance. 
        The unobligated balance remaining in 
        the appropriation from the taconite 
        environmental protection fund, Laws 
        1996, chapter 407, section 3, to 
        acquire and develop the Iron Range 
        off-highway vehicle recreation area, 
        shall not cancel but be made available 
        until June 30, 1998. 
        Subd. 7.  Fish and Wildlife Management
            40,538,000     41,719,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               4,535,000     3,664,000
        Natural Resources     2,013,000     2,048,000
        Game and Fish        33,990,000    36,007,000
        $305,000 the first year and $310,000 
        the second year are for resource 
        population surveys in the 1837 treaty 
        area.  Of this amount, $104,000 the 
        first year and $106,000 the second year 
        are from the game and fish fund. 
        $923,000 the first year and $943,000 
        the second year are from the nongame 
        wildlife management account in the 
        natural resources fund for the purpose 
        of nongame wildlife management.  Any 
        unencumbered balance remaining in the 
        first year does not cancel but is 
        available the second year.  
        $1,337,000 the first year and 
        $1,361,000 the second year are for the 
        reinvest in Minnesota programs of game 
        and fish, critical habitat, and 
        wetlands established under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 84.95, subdivision 
        2.  Any unencumbered balance for the 
        first year does not cancel but is 
        available for use the second year. 
        $1,110,000 the first year and 
        $1,117,000 the second year are from the 
        wildlife acquisition account for only 
        the purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.071, subdivision 
        2a. 
        $860,000 the first year and $881,000 
        the second year are from the deer 
        habitat improvement account for only 
        the purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.075, subdivision 
        1, paragraph (b). 
        $60,000 the first year and $61,000 the 
        second year are from the deer and bear 
        management account for only the 
        purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.075, subdivision 
        1, paragraph (c). 
        $668,000 the first year and $673,000 
        the second year are from the waterfowl 
        habitat improvement account for only 
        the purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.075, subdivision 
        2. 
        $652,000 the first year and $654,000 
        the second year are from the trout and 
        salmon management account for only the 
        purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.075, subdivision 
        3. 
        $545,000 the first year and $545,000 
        the second year are from the pheasant 
        habitat improvement account for only 
        the purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.075, subdivision 
        4.  In addition to the purposes 
        specified in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 97A.075, subdivision 4, this 
        appropriation may be used for pheasant 
        restocking efforts. 
        $292,000 the first year and $295,000 
        the second year are from the game and 
        fish fund for activities relating to 
        reduction and prevention of property 
        damage by wildlife.  $50,000 each year 
        is for emergency damage abatement 
        materials. 
        $63,000 the first year and $63,000 the 
        second year are from the wild turkey 
        management account for only the 
        purposes specified in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 97A.075, subdivision 
        5. 
        $100,000 the first year and $100,000 
        the second year are for water 
        monitoring activities, including 
        integrated monitoring using biology, 
        chemistry, hydrology, and habitat 
        assessment for water quality assessment.
        Before January 15, 1998, the 
        commissioner must hold one public 
        meeting in each of the department's 
        regions to identify priority fisheries 
        projects.  Before the public meetings, 
        notice of the meetings must be 
        published in a news release issued by 
        the commissioner and in a newspaper of 
        general circulation in each county 
        within the region.  The notice must be 
        published at least once between 30 and 
        60 days before the meetings, and at 
        least once between seven and 30 days 
        before the meetings.  The notices 
        required in this paragraph must invite 
        public comment and specify a deadline 
        for the receipt of public comments.  
        The commissioner shall consider any 
        public comments received in making 
        final decisions on expenditure of 
        additional revenue generated by 
        increased fishing license revenue 
        raised under this act.  At least 75 
        percent of the increase must be spent 
        on fisheries. 
        $8,000 is for the construction of an 
        interpretive sign in the Thief Lake 
        wildlife management area, to be 
        available until June 30, 1998. 
        $600,000 the first year is to the 
        critical habitat private sector 
        matching account for the purposes of 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 84.943. 
        $250,000 the first year is to 
        accelerate the acquisition of land for 
        scientific and natural areas under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 84.033. 
        $125,000 the first year is for a 
        railroad prairie right-of-way inventory 
        and for the development of voluntary 
        prairie right-of-way best management 
        practices. 
        The positions for the forest ecologist, 
        metropolitan natural community 
        ecologist, and scientific and natural 
        areas volunteer stewardship coordinator 
        now in the unclassified service shall 
        be transferred without competitive 
        examination to the classified service 
        of the state. 
        Subd. 8.  Enforcement 
            19,599,000     19,457,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               3,489,000     3,092,000
        Natural Resources     3,971,000     3,991,000
        Game and Fish        12,039,000    12,274,000
        Solid Waste             100,000       100,000
        $1,082,000 the first year and 
        $1,082,000 the second year are from the 
        water recreation account in the natural 
        resources fund for grants to counties 
        for boat and water safety. 
        $100,000 each year is from the solid 
        waste fund for solid waste enforcement 
        activities under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 116.073. 
        $100,000 the first year is for 
        enforcement activities regarding the 
        1837 treaty. 
        Within the funding appropriated, the 
        commissioner shall hire at least seven 
        new full-time equivalent conservation 
        officers.  Four of the officers must 
        come from protected groups.  The 
        protected group officers must be hired 
        before the remaining new officers. 
        $200,000 is for the purchase of 
        specialty equipment to increase the 
        effectiveness and safety of enforcement 
        of snowmobile laws and rules. 
        $150,000 the first year and $100,000 
        the second year are to recruit and 
        train members of the Southeast Asian 
        community for four new conservation 
        officer positions that will begin after 
        July 1, 1999.  This appropriation is 
        for recruiting, screening, and training 
        the candidates, and for providing a 
        monthly stipend for the candidates, 
        educational costs, a part-time program 
        coordinator, and outreach locations 
        within the Southeast Asian community.  
        This is a one-time appropriation. 
        $400,000 each year from the snowmobile 
        trails and enforcement account in the 
        natural resources fund is for grants to 
        local law enforcement agencies for 
        snowmobile enforcement activities above 
        and beyond current levels of local law 
        enforcement activities. 
        Subd. 9.  Operations Support
            31,677,000     28,581,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              21,528,000    18,017,000
        Natural Resources     3,471,000     3,542,000
        Game and Fish         6,678,000     7,022,000
        The commissioner of natural resources 
        may contract with and make grants to 
        nonprofit agencies to carry out the 
        purposes, plans, and programs of the 
        office of youth programs, Minnesota 
        conservation corps. 
        None of the money appropriated to the 
        commissioner under this section may be 
        used for transfer to the office of 
        strategic and long-range planning.  The 
        appropriations in this subdivision 
        reflect a reduction in the base of 
        $250,000. 
        $425,000 the first year and $425,000 
        the second year are for the community 
        assistance program, including 
        metropolitan trout stream watershed 
        coordinators, Red River technical 
        assistance, northeast Minnesota public 
        affairs and communication, southwest 
        Minnesota planning assistance, Metro 
        Greenways and natural areas assistance 
        and grants, and regional resource 
        enhancement grants. 
        The department shall submit to the 
        Minnesota office of technology for 
        review its plans for offering consumer 
        access through the North Star world 
        wide web site. 
        $200,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to Friends of Rydell Refuge 
        Association, Inc.  The Friends of 
        Rydell Refuge must enter into a 
        memorandum of agreement with the United 
        States Fish and Wildlife Service to 
        provide for people with disabilities 
        the following facilities at Rydell 
        national wildlife refuge in Polk county:
        (1) seven miles of paved trails, 
        including overlooks; (2) accessible 
        fishing pier, decks, landscaping, and 
        boardwalk at sights within the refuge; 
        (3) accessible restroom facilities; (4) 
        meeting room accessibility and visitor 
        center upgrade; and (5) target range 
        accessibility.  Any amount unexpended 
        in fiscal year 1998 remains available 
        for expenditure in fiscal year 1999. 
        $100,000 the first year and $100,000 
        the second year are for the Southeast 
        Asian environmental education 
        internship and training program. 
        $200,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to the city of South St. Paul for 
        erosion control at Kaposia Park and 
        development of a regional trail 
        connection.  Nonstate match funding of 
        $2 for every $1 of this appropriation 
        is required. 
        $85,000 the first year and $85,000 the 
        second year are for a grant to the 
        Minnesota Children's Museum for early 
        childhood environmental education that 
        introduces young children to the 
        natural environment through four 
        different Minnesota habitats. 
        $2,700,000 the first year is for a 
        grant to the city of St. Paul for 
        expenditures necessary to carry out the 
        Harriet Island redevelopment in 
        accordance with the Lilydale/Harriet 
        Island master plan.  The appropriation 
        is available to the extent it is 
        matched by an equal amount from 
        nonstate sources by June 30, 1998.  
        Before the appropriation or local match 
        is spent or obligated, the city of St. 
        Paul must seek public comments on the 
        Harriet Island redevelopment. 
        $142,000 is for a survey of trails in 
        state parks for accessibility to 
        persons with disabilities.  This 
        appropriation is available for the 
        biennium. 
        $325,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to independent school district No. 621, 
        Mounds View, to renovate the Laurentian 
        Environmental Learning Center located 
        in the Superior National Forest.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 1999.  
        $300,000 the first year and $300,000 
        the second year is for the electronic 
        licensing system.  Of this amount, 
        $200,000 the second year is from the 
        game and fish fund.  
        $1,503,000 the first year and 
        $1,522,000 the second year are for 
        administrative costs.  This is a 
        one-time only appropriation. 
        $55,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to Chippewa county for design and 
        engineering specifications for:  (1) 
        expansion of the landing and boat 
        access on the Minnesota river at 
        Wegdahl and related development of a 
        regional park; and (2) development of a 
        15-mile multiuse trail along the 
        Minnesota river valley connecting the 
        city of Granite Falls to the Chippewa 
        county regional trail system. 
        Sec. 6.  BOARD OF WATER AND 
        SOIL RESOURCES                        15,741,000     15,186,000
        $5,353,000 the first year and 
        $5,353,000 the second year are for 
        natural resources block grants to local 
        governments.  Of this amount, $50,000 
        in each year is for a grant to the 
        North Shore Management Board and 
        $35,000 in each year is for a grant to 
        the St. Louis River Board.  If the 
        appropriation in either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation for the 
        other year is available for it. 
        The board shall reduce the amount of 
        the natural resource 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 
        1996 allocation. 
        Grants must be matched with a 
        combination of local cash or in-kind 
        contributions.  The base grant portion 
        related to water planning must be 
        matched by an amount that would be 
        raised by a levy under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 103B.3369.  
        $2,282,000 the first year and 
        $2,509,000 the second year are for 
        grants to soil and water conservation 
        districts for general purposes and for 
        implementation of the RIM conservation 
        reserve program.  Upon approval of the 
        board, expenditures may be made from 
        these appropriations for supplies and 
        services benefiting soil and water 
        conservation districts. 
        $2,120,000 the first year and 
        $2,120,000 the second year are for 
        grants to soil and water conservation 
        districts for cost-sharing contracts 
        for erosion control and water quality 
        management.  This appropriation is 
        available until expended.  If the 
        appropriation in either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation in the 
        other year is available for it. 
        $189,000 the first year and $189,000 
        the second year are for grants to 
        watershed districts and other local 
        units of government in the southern 
        Minnesota river basin study area 2 for 
        floodplain management.  If the 
        appropriation in either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation in the 
        other year is available for it. 
        $200,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to Chisago and Washington counties for 
        the abandonment of joint ditch No. 1. 
        $475,000 is for completion of water 
        quality improvement projects with the 
        12 major watersheds of the Minnesota 
        river basin, to be available until June 
        30, 1999.  The water quality 
        improvement projects must utilize 
        practices that are proven effective, 
        must have landowner support, and must 
        be prioritized by the Minnesota river 
        basin joint powers board and the board 
        of water and soil resources.  The board 
        shall use this appropriation only for 
        those projects where the local 
        landowners and counties provide 50 
        percent of project costs in cash. 
        $150,000 the first year is for a grant 
        to the Faribault county soil and water 
        conservation district for the 
        quad-lakes restoration project in 
        Faribault and Blue Earth counties. 
        $100,000 the first year and $200,000 
        the second year are for a community 
        assistance program to provide watershed 
        education and communication assistance 
        to local governments in the 
        metropolitan area and in southern 
        Minnesota. 
        Any unencumbered balance in the board's 
        program of grants does not cancel at 
        the end of the first year and is 
        available for the second year for the 
        same grant program. 
        $27,000 the first year and $27,000 the 
        second year are for a grant to the 
        southeast Minnesota water resources 
        board for administrative costs.  This 
        appropriation is available only to the 
        extent it is matched by $1 of nonstate 
        money for each $1 of state money. 
        $90,000 the first year and $90,000 the 
        second year are for grants to soil and 
        water conservation districts to cover 
        the costs of contracting for technical 
        staff to implement activities under the 
        state revolving fund. 
        Sec. 7.  AGRICULTURE 
        Subdivision 1.  Total 
        Appropriation                         29,482,000    25,391,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General              18,949,000    14,868,000
        Special Revenue      10,264,000    10,254,000
        Environmental           269,000       269,000
        The amounts that may be spent from this 
        appropriation for each program are 
        specified in the following subdivisions.
        Subd. 2.  Protection Service 
            18,324,000     17,435,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               8,047,000     7,053,000
        Special Revenue      10,008,000    10,113,000
        Environmental           269,000       269,000
        $269,000 the first year and $269,000 
        the second year are from the 
        environmental response, compensation, 
        and compliance account in the 
        environmental fund. 
        $4,287,000 the first year and 
        $4,367,000 the second year are from the 
        pesticide regulatory account 
        established under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 18B.05, for administration and 
        enforcement of Minnesota Statutes, 
        chapter 18B. 
        $995,000 the first year and $1,010,000 
        the second year are from the fertilizer 
        inspection account established under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 18C.131, 
        for administration and enforcement of 
        Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18C. 
        $50,000 the first year is from the 
        fertilizer account to provide a match 
        to the $150,000 appropriation from the 
        environmental trust fund to conduct 
        nitrate testing clinics. 
        $368,000 the first year and $368,000 
        the second year are from the seed 
        potato inspection fund established 
        under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        21.115, for administration and 
        enforcement of Minnesota Statutes, 
        sections 21.111 to 21.122. 
        $727,000 the first year and $741,000 
        the second year are from the seed 
        inspection fund established under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 21.92, for 
        administration and enforcement of 
        Minnesota Statutes, sections 21.80 to 
        21.92. 
        $731,000 the first year and $744,000 
        the second year are from the commercial 
        feed inspection account established 
        under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        25.39, subdivision 4, for 
        administration and enforcement of 
        Minnesota Statutes, sections 25.35 to 
        25.44. 
        $530,000 the first year and $530,000 
        the second year are from the fruit and 
        vegetables inspection account 
        established under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 27.07, subdivision 6, for 
        administration and enforcement of 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 27.07. 
        $1,746,000 the first year and 
        $1,779,000 the second year are from the 
        dairy services account established 
        under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        32.394, subdivision 9, for the purpose 
        of dairy services under Minnesota 
        Statutes, chapter 32. 
        $324,000 the first year and $324,000 
        the second year are from the livestock 
        weighing fund established under 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 17A.11, for 
        the purpose of livestock weighing costs 
        under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 17A. 
        $53,000 the first year and $53,000 the 
        second year are for payment of claims 
        relating to livestock damaged by 
        threatened or endangered animal species 
        and agricultural crops damaged by elk.  
        If the appropriation for either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation for the 
        other year is available for it. 
        $160,000 the first year and $160,000 
        the second year are an increase for the 
        grade A and manufacturing grade 
        inspection programs under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 32.394. 
        $222,000 is transferred to the seed 
        potato inspection fund and must be used 
        for the administration and enforcement 
        of Minnesota Statutes, sections 21.80 
        to 21.92. 
        $960,000 the first year and $40,000 the 
        second year are to expand the 
        one-on-one educational delivery team 
        system to provide appropriate 
        technologies, including rotational 
        grazing and other sustainable 
        agriculture methods, applicable to 
        small and medium sized dairy farms to 
        enhance the financial success and 
        long-term sustainability of dairy farms 
        in the state.  Activities of the dairy 
        diagnostic teams must be spread 
        throughout the dairy producing regions 
        of the state.  The teams must consist 
        of farm business management 
        instructors, dairy extension 
        specialists, and dairy industry 
        partners to deliver the informational 
        and technological services.  Not later 
        than February 1, 1998, the commissioner 
        shall provide an interim report to the 
        standing committees of the Minnesota 
        senate and house of representatives 
        that deal with agricultural policy 
        issues and funding on activities and 
        accomplishments of the dairy diagnostic 
        teams.  The commissioner shall provide 
        a follow-up report to the committees on 
        February 1, 1999.  This is a one-time 
        appropriation.  
        $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the 
        second year are for activities of the 
        dairy producers board under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 17.76. 
        Subd. 3.  Agricultural Marketing and Development
             3,475,000      3,210,000
                       Summary by Fund
        General              3,219,000    3,069,000
        Special Revenue        256,000      141,000
        Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 41A.09, subdivision 3a, the 
        total payments from the ethanol 
        development account to all producers 
        may not exceed $49,651,000 for the 
        biennium ending June 30, 1999.  If the 
        total amount for which all producers 
        are eligible in a quarter exceeds the 
        amount available for payments, the 
        commissioner shall make the payments on 
        a pro rata basis.  In fiscal year 1998, 
        the commissioner shall first reimburse 
        producers for eligible unpaid claims 
        accumulated through June 30, 1997.  
        $100,000 the first year and $100,000 
        the second year are for ethanol 
        promotion and public education. 
        $71,000 the first year and $71,000 the 
        second year are for transfer to the 
        Minnesota grown matching account and 
        may be used as grants for Minnesota 
        grown promotion under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 17.109. 
        $141,000 the first year and $141,000 
        the second year are from the 
        commodities research and promotion 
        account in the special revenue fund. 
        $115,000 is from the Minnesota 
        conservation fund, established in 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 40A.151, to 
        the commissioner of agriculture to 
        provide a match to the $100,000 
        appropriation from the future resources 
        fund to evaluate the effectiveness of 
        Minnesota's agricultural land 
        preservation programs, make 
        recommendations for statutory and 
        programmatic improvements, and identify 
        and quantify fiscal impacts of urban 
        sprawl. 
        $76,000 the first year and $77,000 the 
        second year are for development and 
        promotion of integrated pest management 
        in an urban environment.  The urban 
        integrated pest management development 
        and promotion program must be 
        coordinated with Metropolitan State 
        University. 
        $80,000 the first year and $80,000 the 
        second year are for grants to farmers 
        for demonstration projects involving 
        sustainable agriculture.  If a project 
        cost is more than $25,000, the amount 
        above $25,000 must be cost-shared at a 
        state-applicant ratio of one to one.  
        Priorities must be given for projects 
        involving multiple parties.  Up to 
        $20,000 each year may be used for 
        dissemination of information about the 
        demonstration grant projects.  If the 
        appropriation for either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation for the 
        other is available. 
        $200,000 is for grants under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 17.101, subdivision 5.
        Subd. 4.  Administration and 
        Financial Assistance 
             7,683,000      4,746,000
        $100,000 the first year and $100,000 
        the second year must be spent for the 
        WIC coupon program. 
        $115,000 the first year and $99,000 the 
        second year are for family farm 
        security interest payment adjustments.  
        If the appropriation for either year is 
        insufficient, the appropriation for the 
        other year is available for it.  No new 
        loans may be approved in fiscal year 
        1998 or 1999.  
        $201,000 the first year and $202,000 
        the second year are for the family farm 
        advocacy program. 
        $70,000 the first year and $70,000 the 
        second year are for the northern crops 
        institute.  These appropriations may be 
        spent to purchase equipment and are 
        available until spent.  
        $150,000 the first year and $150,000 
        the second year are for grants to 
        agriculture information centers.  The 
        grants are only available on a match 
        basis.  The funds may be released at 
        the rate of $4 of state money for each 
        $1 of matching nonstate money that is 
        raised.  
        $100,000 is for a grant to the 
        University of Minnesota for a farm 
        safety outreach program.  The program 
        must be designed to provide specialized 
        health and safety information and 
        training to targeted at-risk 
        individuals and groups. 
        $115,000 the first year and $115,000 
        the second year are for the Seaway Port 
        Authority of Duluth. 
        $19,000 the first year and $19,000 the 
        second year are for a grant to the 
        Minnesota Livestock Breeders' 
        Association. 
        $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the 
        second year are for the Passing on the 
        Farm Center under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 17.985.  This appropriation is 
        available only to the extent matched 
        with nonstate money. 
        $50,000 in each year is for beaver 
        damage control grants for the purposes 
        of Minnesota Statutes, section 17.110. 
        $70,000 the first year is for the 
        construction costs of a greenhouse to 
        produce biological control agents. 
        $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the 
        second year are for funding litigation 
        to accomplish reform of the federal 
        milk market order system and for legal 
        actions opposing the Northeast Dairy 
        Compact. 
        $100,000 the first year is for transfer 
        to the public utilities commission for 
        costs related to the duties of the 
        commission and the team of science 
        advisors established under Laws 1994, 
        chapter 573, as amended.  This 
        appropriation remains available until 
        June 30, 1999. 
        $525,000 the first year is for 
        livestock odor research.  Of this 
        amount, $400,000 is for a grant to the 
        University of Minnesota department of 
        biosystems and agricultural engineering 
        for research and development of:  (1) 
        an odor rating system that compares 
        odor levels of livestock production 
        facilities based on the species of 
        livestock, livestock housing, manure 
        management systems, and other factors 
        that contribute to odor levels, with 
        the odor rating to be determined using 
        olfactometry; (2) information tools to 
        be provided to local units of 
        government to create setback 
        requirements for livestock production 
        facilities based on the odor rating 
        system developed in clause (1); (3) 
        best management practices to control 
        livestock odor with priority on the 
        development of practices that control 
        odor as much as economically feasible 
        during seasonal and other periods of 
        peak odor levels; and (4) provisions 
        for rating the efficacy of new 
        odor-reduction technologies and 
        additives.  Applicants for a rating 
        under this clause must pay for the 
        research necessary to provide the 
        rating to be used in marketing their 
        new technology.  $125,000 is for a 
        grant to the Minnesota institute for 
        sustainable agriculture for research, 
        development, and promotion of 
        low-emission and low-energy alternative 
        hog production systems and promotion of 
        developed systems, including hoop 
        houses, the Swedish model 
        (Vastgotamodellen) for farrowing and 
        feeder pig production, and pasture 
        grazing and farrowing. 
        $200,000 the first year and $200,000 
        the second year are to develop a 
        scientific data base on odor from 
        feedlots, conduct research on 
        biofilters as odor suppressants, and 
        evaluate composting and drainage 
        systems for effectiveness.  This is a 
        one-time appropriation. 
        $1,200,000 the first year is for an 
        electronic information management 
        system.  By January 15, 1998, the 
        commissioner shall report to the 
        legislature concerning the status of 
        the system and shall make a 
        recommendation concerning the remaining 
        needs for the system and costs of 
        funding those needs. 
        $1,000,000 is to create and administer 
        a "Minnesota grown" coupon program to 
        provide food coupons to adult or minor 
        legal noncitizens who are residing in 
        this state as of July 1, 1997, lost 
        their eligibility for the federal food 
        stamp program under the provisions of 
        Public Law Number 104-193, title IV, 
        are receiving general assistance or 
        supplemental security income, and 
        comply with the eligibility 
        requirements in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 256D.05, subdivision 8, 
        paragraph (b).  Coupons shall be issued 
        each month within the funds available 
        by the commissioner to noncitizens who 
        are residents of participating counties 
        and eligible for the supplement under 
        this paragraph.  The commissioner of 
        human services must provide to the 
        commissioner of agriculture the names 
        of the heads of households that contain 
        adult or minor legal noncitizens who 
        are eligible for the supplement under 
        this paragraph, their addresses, and 
        any other information necessary to 
        ensure the administrative efficiency of 
        the "Minnesota grown" coupon program.  
        The amount of the "Minnesota grown" 
        coupons must be excluded as income 
        under the AFDC, refugee cash 
        assistance, general assistance, MFIP, 
        MFIP-R, MFIP-S, food stamp programs, 
        state housing subsidy programs, 
        low-income energy assistance programs, 
        and other programs that do not count 
        food stamps as income.  Counties must 
        apply to the commissioner to 
        participate in the "Minnesota grown" 
        coupon program. 
        The coupons must be clearly labeled as 
        redeemable only for products licensed 
        to use the "Minnesota grown" logo or 
        labeling statement under Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 17.102.  Coupons may 
        be redeemed by farmers, custom meat 
        processors, community-supported 
        agriculture farms, grocery stores, and 
        retailers.  The person accepting the 
        coupon is responsible for its 
        redemption only on products licensed to 
        use the "Minnesota grown" logo or 
        labeling statement.  
        The commissioner may establish criteria 
        for vendor eligibility and may enforce 
        the "Minnesota grown" coupon program 
        according to Minnesota Statutes, 
        sections 17.982 to 17.984. 
        The commissioner shall report on the 
        "Minnesota grown" coupon program by 
        January 15, 1998, to the house of 
        representatives agriculture committee, 
        the senate agriculture and rural 
        development committee, the house 
        environment and natural resources 
        finance committee, and the senate 
        environment and agriculture budget 
        division. 
        Sec. 8.  BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH        2,348,000      2,383,000
        $40,000 the first year and $40,000 the 
        second year are for a program to 
        control para-tuberculosis ("Johne's 
        disease") in domestic bovine herds.  
        The board must design and implement a 
        program to provide educational and 
        financial assistance to bovine herd 
        owners for testing and related 
        activities that will reduce the 
        prevalence of the disease in herds 
        known to be infected and to establish 
        "test negative" herds as a source of 
        negative replacement cattle.  Not later 
        than January 31, 1999, the executive 
        secretary shall report to the 
        legislature on the progress and results 
        of the para-tuberculosis control 
        program. 
        $49,000 the first year and $40,000 the 
        second year are for a grant to the 
        University of Minnesota college of 
        veterinary medicine to be used for 
        development and implementation of the 
        companion animal resource education 
        program, in collaboration with the 
        Minnesota extension service. 
        Sec. 9.  CITIZEN'S COUNCIL ON 
        VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK                   63,000         64,000
        Sec. 10.  SCIENCE MUSEUM 
        OF MINNESOTA                           1,136,000      1,164,000
        Sec. 11.  MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN
        BOUNDARY AREA COMMISSION                 172,000        177,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General                 141,000       145,000
        Natural Resources        31,000        32,000
        This appropriation is only available to 
        the extent it is matched by an equal 
        amount from the state of Wisconsin. 
        $31,000 the first year and $32,000 the 
        second year are from the water 
        recreation account in the natural 
        resources fund for the St. Croix 
        management and stewardship program. 
        Sec. 12.  MINNESOTA ACADEMY 
        OF SCIENCE                                41,000         41,000
        $5,000 the first year and $5,000 the 
        second year are for a program to 
        provide hands on science activities for 
        elementary school children. 
        Sec. 13.  MINNESOTA HORTICULTURAL 
        SOCIETY                                   82,000         82,000
        Sec. 14.  AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION
        RESEARCH INSTITUTE                     4,420,000      4,330,000
                      Summary by Fund
        General               4,220,000     4,130,000
        Special Revenue         200,000       200,000
        $90,000 the first year is for 
        development of a program of marketing a 
        value-added agriculture product by a 
        community-based youth program. 
        $200,000 the first year and $200,000 
        the second year are for hybrid tree 
        management research and development of 
        an implementation plan for establishing 
        hybrid tree plantations in the state.  
        This appropriation is available to the 
        extent matched by $2 of nonstate 
        contributions, either cash or in kind, 
        for each $1 of state money.  This shall 
        be added to the agency base. 
        Sec. 15.  MINNESOTA RESOURCES 
        Subdivision 1.  Total
        Appropriation                         37,208,000 
                      Summary by Fund
        Minnesota Future 
        Resources Fund       14,668,000
        Environment and 
        Natural Resources 
        Trust Fund           22,270,000
        Great Lakes Protection 
        Account                 120,000
        Oil Overcharge 
        Money in the Special
        Revenue Fund            150,000
        Unless otherwise provided, the amounts 
        in this section are available until 
        June 30, 1999, when projects must be 
        completed and final products delivered. 
        Subd. 2.  Definitions 
        (a) "Future resources fund" means the 
        Minnesota future resources fund 
        referred to in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 116P.13. 
        (b) "Trust fund" means the Minnesota 
        environment and natural resources trust 
        fund referred to in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 116P.02, subdivision 6. 
        (c) "Great lakes protection account" 
        means the account referred to in 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 116Q.02. 
        (d) "Oil overcharge money" means the 
        money referred to in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 4.071, subdivision 2. 
        Subd. 3.  Legislative Commission 
        on Minnesota Resources                   776,000
        $304,000 of this appropriation is from 
        the future resources fund and $472,000 
        is from the trust fund, pursuant to 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09, 
        subdivision 5. 
        Subd. 4.  Recreation 
        (a) STATE PARK AND RECREATION AREA 
        ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT, BETTERMENT, 
        AND REHABILITATION                     3,500,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources as follows:  (1) for state 
        park and recreation area acquisition, 
        $2,500,000; and (2) for state park and 
        recreation area development, 
        rehabilitation, and resource 
        management, $1,000,000, unless 
        otherwise specified in the approved 
        work program.  The use of the Minnesota 
        conservation corps is encouraged.  The 
        commissioner must submit grant requests 
        for supplemental funding for federal 
        ISTEA money in eligible categories and 
        report the results to the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources.  
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by June 30, 
        2000, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (b) METROPOLITAN REGIONAL PARK 
        SYSTEM                                 3,500,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund for payment by the commissioner of 
        natural resources to the metropolitan 
        council for subgrants for acquisition, 
        development and rehabilitation in the 
        metropolitan regional park system 
        consistent with the metropolitan 
        council regional recreation open space 
        capital improvement plan.  This 
        appropriation may be used for the 
        purchase of homes only if the purchases 
        are expressly included in the work 
        program approved by the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources.  The 
        metropolitan council shall collect and 
        digitize all local, regional, state and 
        federal parks and all off-road trails 
        with connecting on-road routes for the 
        Metropolitan area and produce a printed 
        map.  This project must be completed 
        and final products delivered by June 
        30, 2000, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (c) LOCAL INITIATIVES GRANTS 
        PROGRAM                                2,900,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources to provide matching 
        grants, as follows:  
        (1) $600,000 to local units of 
        government for local park and 
        recreation areas pursuant to Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 85.019.  $50,000 of 
        this appropriation is to complete the 
        Larue public water access. 
        (2) $600,000 to local units of 
        government for natural and scenic areas 
        pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 
        85.019. 
        (3) $900,000 for trail grants to local 
        units of government on land to be 
        maintained for at least 20 years for 
        the purposes of the grant.  $200,000 is 
        for grants of up to $50,000 per project 
        for trail linkages between communities, 
        trails, and parks, and $700,000 is for 
        grants of up to $250,000 for locally 
        funded trails of regional 
        significance.  $250,000 is to provide 
        matching funds for an ISTEA grant to 
        provide easement acquisition and 
        engineering costs for a proposed trail 
        between the city of Pelican Rapids and 
        Maplewood state park. 
        (4) $600,000 for a statewide 
        conservation partners program, to 
        encourage private organizations and 
        local governments to cost share 
        improvement of fish, wildlife, and 
        native plant habitats and research and 
        surveys of fish and wildlife. 
        Conservation partners grants may be up 
        to $10,000 each. 
        (5) $200,000 for environmental 
        partnerships program grants of up to 
        $10,000 each for environmental service 
        projects and related education 
        activities through public and private 
        partnerships. 
        In addition to the required work 
        program, grants may not be approved 
        until grant proposals to be funded have 
        been submitted to the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources and 
        the commission has approved the grants 
        or allowed 60 days to pass.  The above 
        appropriations, in combination, are 
        available half for the metropolitan 
        area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 473.121, subdivision 2, and 
        half for outside of the metropolitan 
        area.  For the purpose of this 
        paragraph, the match must be nonstate 
        contributions, but may be either cash 
        or in-kind.  This project must be 
        completed and final products delivered 
        by June 30, 2000, and the appropriation 
        is available until that date. 
        (d) BORDER-TO-BORDER TRAIL 
        STUDY                                    100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for the 
        border-to-border trail study of the 
        trails and waterways division.  The 
        border-to-border trail study shall 
        inventory and integrate local, 
        regional, and state trail systems and 
        plan for future development, including 
        identifying abandoned rail lines and 
        dual treadways.  The Minnesota 
        recreational trail users association 
        (MURTA) shall serve as the advisory 
        group to the department of natural 
        resources in developing the study and 
        plan. The appropriation is available 
        until June 30, 1999. 
        Subd. 5.  Historic Sites 
        (a) FORT SNELLING STATE PARK - UPPER 
        BLUFF UTILIZATION AND AYH HOSTEL         250,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for a cooperative 
        project with Hostelling International 
        and community cooperators to develop a 
        conceptual utilization plan for the 
        Upper Bluff Area, assess buildings for 
        potential hostel use, and complete the 
        design and construction documents for a 
        building or buildings for future 
        renovation as a hostel.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $20,000 of nonstate money. 
        (b) PROTECTING RURAL HISTORIC 
        LANDSCAPES IN HIGH DEVELOPMENT AREAS      80,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the Minnesota Historical 
        Society to document resources and 
        prepare a management plan for 
        historical agricultural landscapes in 
        the St. Cloud-Rochester growth corridor.
        (c) JEFFERS PETROGLYPHS ENVIRONMENTAL 
        ASSESSMENT AND PRAIRIE RESTORATION       125,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the Minnesota 
        Historical Society to establish an 
        environmental monitoring program and 
        assess environmental effects on the 
        petroglyphs and restore native prairie 
        to parts of this state site. 
        (d) DEVELOPMENT OF BIRCH COULEE STATE 
        HISTORIC SITE                            253,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the Minnesota Historical 
        Society to improve public access to the 
        state historic site at Birch Coulee, 
        with self-guided trails, interpretive 
        markers, and basic visitor amenities. 
        (e) WHITE OAK LEARNING CENTER 
        ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 
        THROUGH HISTORY                          120,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the White Oak Society, Inc., to create 
        an education program integrating 
        environmental education into 
        historical, cultural, and social 
        contexts. 
        (f) HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL MUSEUM ON 
        VERMILION LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION        100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the Minnesota 
        Historical Society for an agreement 
        with Bois Forte Reservation to design 
        and construct a historical museum for 
        cultural interpretation adjacent to an 
        historic gold mine and fur trade post 
        on Lake Vermilion.  As an additional 
        condition of acceptance of this 
        appropriation, this facility may not be 
        used for any form of gambling or the 
        promotion of gambling.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $100,000 of nonstate money. 
        (g) NATIVE AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE OF 
        THE HISTORIC NORTH SHORE                  60,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the Minnesota 
        Historical Society for an agreement 
        with the Sugarloaf Interpretive Center 
        Association for an interpretive study 
        of Native Americans on the North Shore 
        of Lake Superior in cooperation with 
        Native American bands.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $30,000 of nonstate money. 
        (h) SOUDAN UNDERGROUND PHYSICS 
        LABORATORY EXPANSION                     400,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the University of 
        Minnesota to assist in the construction 
        of the Soudan Mine facilities for 
        scientific interpretation. 
        Subd. 6.  Water Resources 
        (a) ON-SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT 
        ALTERNATIVES AND TECHNOLOGY 
        TRANSFER                                 500,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the pollution control 
        agency for the second biennium to 
        evaluate alternative on-site sewage 
        treatment systems for cost-effective 
        removal of pathogenic bacteria, viruses 
        and nutrients. 
        (b) NITRATE EDUCATION AND TESTING        150,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of agriculture 
        to accelerate knowledge of nitrate 
        levels in private drinking water 
        supplies through development of water 
        testing clinics for rural well owners 
        and education programs.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $50,000 from the agriculture 
        fertilizer inspection account. 
        (c) SNAKE RIVER WATERSHED BMPS           100,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the board of water and soil 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        Snake River Watershed Management Board 
        to accelerate the implementation of the 
        1996 Snake River Watershed Management 
        Plan. 
        (d) EVALUATION OF WATERSHED BASED 
        WATERSHED DISTRICT MANAGEMENT            150,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the board of water 
        and soil resources for an agreement 
        with the Minnesota Association of 
        Watershed Districts to evaluate the 
        effectiveness of water quality 
        management by watershed districts.  
        This appropriation must be matched by 
        at least $75,000 of nonstate money. 
        (e) RED RIVER VALLEY PLANNING 
        AND MANAGEMENT                           375,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the pollution control agency to 
        create an ecosystem management plan for 
        the Red River Valley, integrating land 
        and water basin management strategies 
        in cooperation with interstate and 
        international organizations. 
        (f) SUSTAINABLE LAKE PLANS               270,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota, 
        Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, 
        in cooperation with the Minnesota Lakes 
        Association, to develop education 
        programs and a comprehensive lake plan 
        in each of the state's five lake 
        regions. 
        (g) LAKESHORE RESTORATION - MINNEAPOLIS 
        CHAIN OF LAKES                           300,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 
        to restore native plants on lake shores 
        of the chain of lakes to improve water 
        quality, wildlife habitat, and decrease 
        erosion.  This appropriation must be 
        matched by at least $150,000 of 
        nonstate money. 
        (h) ATMOSPHERIC AND NONPOINT POLLUTION 
        TRENDS IN MINNESOTA LAKES                325,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the pollution control agency to 
        document geographic and historic trends 
        in lake eutrophication and inputs of 
        toxic metals and organic pollutants 
        from land-use impacts and atmospheric 
        sources.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 2000, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        Subd. 7.  Agricultural Practices 
        (a) BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF 
        AGRICULTURAL PESTS                       200,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota to 
        accelerate using biological control of 
        pests in agricultural production 
        systems.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 2000, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        (b) CROP MANAGEMENT TO MINIMIZE 
        PESTICIDE INPUTS                         300,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota to 
        develop nonpesticide management 
        strategies for pest control for crops. 
        (c) SUSTAINABLE FARMING SYSTEMS          560,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota for 
        a comprehensive program of 
        complementary on-farm and experiment 
        station research, demonstration, and 
        educational activities about the 
        economic and environmental effects of 
        sustainable farming systems. 
        (d) PRAIRIE-GRASSLAND LANDSCAPES         125,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for the second biennium to 
        implement grassland ecosystem 
        stewardship activities in the Glacial 
        Lake Agassiz Interbeach area in 
        cooperation with the resource 
        conservation and development councils. 
        (e) REDUCING MINNESOTA RIVER 
        POLLUTION FROM LACUSTRINE SOILS          250,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        agriculture in cooperation with the 
        University of Minnesota for the second 
        biennium to research the impact of 
        farming systems utilizing crop residue 
        for sediment control on lacustrine 
        landscapes in the Minnesota River Basin.
        (f) MERCURY MANOMETERS                   250,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        agriculture for the purposes of 
        Minnesota Statutes, sections 17.861, 
        115A.932, and 116.92, and is available 
        until June 30, 1999. 
        Subd. 8.  Pollution Prevention 
        (a) TOXIC EMISSIONS FROM FIRE 
        TRAINING                                  65,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to metropolitan state university 
        to identify and quantify toxic 
        emissions from live-burn training in 
        acquired structures to evaluate and 
        propose alternatives.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (b) POLLUTION PREVENTION TRAINING 
        PROGRAM FOR INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES         200,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the director of the 
        office of environmental assistance for 
        agreements with Citizens for a Better 
        Environment and the University of 
        Minnesota to provide the training and 
        technical assistance needed for 
        pollution prevention by industrial 
        employees. 
        Subd. 9.  Impacts on Natural Resources 
        (a) GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 
        TO ASSIST NATURAL RESOURCE
        DECISION MAKING                          150,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the board of water 
        and soil resources for matching grants 
        to local governments to help enable 
        incorporation of impacts on natural 
        resources into local decision making. 
        (b) EVALUATION OF URBAN GROWTH 
        ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
        COSTS AND BENEFITS                       275,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the director of the 
        office of strategic and long-range 
        planning for an agreement with 
        Minnesotans for an energy-efficient 
        economy to evaluate the benefits, 
        costs, and environmental impacts of 
        alternative urban and rural growth 
        patterns. 
        (c) REINVENTING THE AGRICULTURAL LAND 
        PRESERVATION PROGRAM                     100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        agriculture to evaluate the 
        effectiveness of Minnesota s 
        agricultural land preservation 
        programs, and identify and quantify 
        fiscal impacts of rural sprawl.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $100,000 of nonstate money or 
        money from the Minnesota conservation 
        fund. 
        (d) NEW MODELS FOR LAND-USE 
        PLANNING                                 530,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        Land Stewardship Project for planning, 
        inventory, technical assistance, and 
        education addressing voluntary 
        easements, purchase, and transfer of 
        development rights to create a 
        protected green corridor in Washington 
        and Chisago counties.  Up to $30,000 is 
        to provide training in adapting 
        holistic resource management concepts 
        and principles for decision making in 
        land use planning. 
        (e) NORTH MINNEAPOLIS UPPER RIVER 
        MASTER PLAN                              300,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the Minneapolis Park and Recreation 
        Board to develop a master plan 
        addressing greenspace and trail 
        development, riverbank restoration, and 
        stimulation of river-oriented land uses 
        within a corridor along the east and 
        west banks of the Mississippi River 
        from Plymouth Avenue north to the 
        Minneapolis city limits.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $100,000 of nonstate money. 
        (f) PREVENTING STORMWATER RUNOFF 
        PROBLEMS THROUGH WATERSHED 
        LAND DESIGN                              280,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the University of 
        Minnesota to develop watershed-based 
        land design models for preserving 
        habitat and traditional patterns, and 
        preventing flooding and water quality 
        degradation. 
        (g) MILLER CREEK MANAGEMENT              100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the board of water 
        and soil resources for agreements with 
        the Miller Creek Task Force and the 
        natural resources research institute.  
        $25,000 is available to the Miller 
        Creek Task Force to begin the project 
        to implement water quality improvement 
        activities on Miller Creek.  The 
        remaining $75,000 is contingent on the 
        formation of a watershed district or a 
        joint powers agreement in place by 
        January 1998, and a match of at least 
        $25,000 of nonstate money and $25,000 
        of additional activity being provided 
        by the natural resources research 
        institute or other sources.  Up to 
        $25,000 of the remaining $75,000 is for 
        an agreement with the natural resources 
        research institute for research 
        activities. 
        (h) TROUT HABITAT PRESERVATION   
        USING ALTERNATIVE WATERSHED
        MANAGEMENT PRACTICES                     250,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the board of water 
        and soil resources to implement 
        alternative watershed management 
        practices to preserve the lower reaches 
        of Browns Creek as trout habitat. 
        Subd. 10.  Decision-Making Tools
        (a) COMPARATIVE RISKS OF MULTIPLE 
        CHEMICAL EXPOSURES                       150,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        health to develop comparative risk 
        information for managing exposures to 
        multiple environmental hazards from 
        measurements of pesticides, volatile 
        organic compounds, and metals in soil, 
        air, water, and food. 
        (b) METROPOLITAN AREA GROUNDWATER 
        MODEL                                    300,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the pollution control agency 
        for the second biennium to improve and 
        refine the metropolitan groundwater 
        model to improve contaminant tracking, 
        cleanup evaluation, and overall 
        protection of groundwater resources. 
        (c) WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN                 100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources to develop a 
        management plan for Minnesota wolves, 
        to be ready for implementation if the 
        Eastern Timberwolf is removed from the 
        federal endangered species list. 
        (d) MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN NATURAL 
        RESOURCE DATA                            250,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to Mankato State University in 
        cooperation with the Minnesota River 
        Basin Joint Powers Board to prepare 
        geographic information system data sets 
        for the 1,208 minor watersheds, provide 
        Internet access to the data, and 
        outreach training.  This appropriation 
        must be matched by at least $100,000 of 
        nonstate money. 
        (e) LAND USE DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL 
        RESOURCE PROTECTION MODEL                400,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        city of Winona to develop a geographic 
        information system implementation tool 
        to assist in the evaluation of natural 
        resource protection in land use 
        decision making by local governments.  
        This appropriation must be matched by 
        at least $88,000 of nonstate money. 
        (f) STATEWIDE DIGITAL SOIL 
        DATABASE - PHASE I                       145,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the board of water 
        and soil resources for the first 
        biennium for a pilot program to 
        investigate methods to digitize data 
        from older soil surveys and to 
        coordinate soil survey digitizing in at 
        least one county on a 50 percent cost 
        share basis.  Up to $30,000 of this 
        appropriation is for digitization and 
        must be matched by nonstate money by 
        April 30, 1999. 
        (g) FILLMORE COUNTY SOIL 
        SURVEY UPDATE                             65,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the board of water and soil 
        resources to provide half of the 
        nonfederal share for the second year of 
        a six-year project to update the 
        Fillmore county soil survey into a 
        digitized and manuscript format. 
        Subd. 11.  Public Access to Natural
        Resource Data 
        (a) FOUNDATIONS FOR INTEGRATED ACCESS 
        TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION             650,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the director of the 
        office of strategic and long-range 
        planning for a collaborative effort 
        among natural resource agencies to 
        design, develop, and test a solution to 
        provide integrated electronic access to 
        environmental and natural resource 
        data.  These data must be made 
        accessible and free to the public 
        unless made private under the Data 
        Practices Act. 
        (b) PUBLIC ACCESS TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL 
        KNOWLEDGE                                200,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the Minnesota 
        Historical Society for an agreement 
        with the Institute for Minnesota 
        Archaeology to enhance and provide 
        public electronic access to regional 
        archaeological data that have been 
        acquired or maintained with public 
        money. 
        Subd. 12.  Sustainable Development 
        Activities 
        (a) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE 
        FOR MUNICIPALITIES THROUGH ELECTRIC 
        UTILITIES                                240,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        the Minnesota Municipal Utilities 
        Association to provide decision-making 
        tools, technical information, and 
        expert assistance to advance 
        sustainable renewable energy and energy 
        efficiency developments and implement 
        demonstration projects in at least four 
        communities.  This appropriation must 
        be matched by at least $250,000 in 
        nonstate money. 
        (b) RENEWABLE ENERGY DEMONSTRATION 
        AND EDUCATION IN STATE PARKS             230,000 
        $80,000 of this appropriation is from 
        the trust fund and $150,000 is from oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the Center for Energy and Environment 
        to demonstrate cost-effective 
        applications of renewable energy 
        technologies in state parks by 
        developing technology selection 
        guidelines, installing projects in 
        state parks, and providing public 
        renewable energy education.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (c) ALFALFA BIOMASS PRODUCTION           200,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the University of 
        Minnesota for the evaluation of the 
        environmental impacts and benefits of 
        the production of alfalfa for 
        electrical power generation.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (d) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF WIND 
        ENERGY ON FAMILY FARMS                   200,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        the Sustainable Resources Center for 
        the second biennium to provide 
        technical assistance, wind assessment, 
        and technology transfer for the 
        development of wind energy harvesting. 
        (e) CONNECTING PEOPLE AND PLACES 
        THROUGH YELLOW BIKES                      95,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the office of 
        environmental assistance for an 
        agreement with the Yellow Bike 
        Coalition to expand and develop a 
        bicycle recycling and transportation 
        program in at least three cities. 
        (f) SUSTAINABLE GARDENING FOR MINNESOTA 
        HOMES AND COMMUNITIES                    400,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the Sustainable Resources Center for 
        the fifth biennium to accelerate 
        community garden programs through 
        technical assistance to encourage 
        ecologically sound landscape plantings 
        and maintenance.  Up to $60,000 is to 
        provide a link between sustainable 
        agriculture farmers and urban consumers.
        (g) ECONOMICS FOR LASTING 
        PROGRESS                                 250,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the director of the 
        office of strategic and long-range 
        planning for an assessment of how 
        economic indicators and policies reward 
        or discourage pollution, employment, 
        and sustainable resource use in 
        Minnesota. 
        (h) SOY-BASED DIESEL FUEL 
        STUDY                                     83,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        agriculture, in cooperation with one or 
        more commissioners of appropriate state 
        agencies, for a pilot project to test 
        the use of soy-based biodiesel fuel to 
        operate fleet vehicles.  The study must 
        include an analysis of the 
        environmental effects, operational 
        characteristics, and obstacles to widen 
        use of soy-based biodiesel. 
        Subd. 13.  Environmental Education 
        (a) SCHOOL NATURE AREA PROJECT 
        (SNAP)                                   250,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with St. 
        Olaf College for the second biennium to 
        accelerate partnerships between 
        institutions of higher education and 
        schools to develop school nature areas 
        and demonstrate methods of ecological 
        enhancement for integration into school 
        curriculum. 
        (b) WATERSHED SCIENCE: INTEGRATED 
        RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROGRAM           500,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the Science Museum of 
        Minnesota to establish a long-term 
        monitoring program for the Valley Creek 
        watershed, develop a public geographic 
        information system laboratory, and 
        watershed science education programs. 
        (c) MINNESOTA FROG WATCH                 300,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        Center for Global Environmental 
        Education, Hamline University, for the 
        second biennium to accelerate the 
        Minnesota frog watch environmental 
        education and monitoring program for 
        youth and families in formal and 
        nonformal education settings.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (d) ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE LEARNING 
        PROJECTS IN MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOLS          100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        Eco Education to provide training and 
        minigrants for student service learning 
        projects.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 2000, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        (e) PARTNERS IN ACCESSIBLE RECREATION 
        AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY         550,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with 
        Wilderness Inquiry for the second 
        biennium to provide a statewide program 
        of environmental education, outdoor 
        recreation, and inclusion of people 
        with disabilities and other minority 
        groups. 
        (f) ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE 
        LEARNING                                 100,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with Stowe 
        Environmental Elementary School to 
        develop a partnership of schools, 
        communities, and agencies for 
        environmental service learning projects.
        (g) STATE WOLF MANAGEMENT: ELECTRONICALLY 
        MODERATING THE PUBLIC DISCUSSION         100,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        International Wolf Center to provide a 
        public electronic forum and information 
        on wolf management.  This appropriation 
        must be matched by at least $20,000 of 
        nonstate money. 
        (h) CATCH AND RELEASE                     20,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club to 
        accelerate its catch and release 
        program.  This appropriation must be 
        matched by at least $10,000 of nonstate 
        contributions, either cash or in-kind. 
        (i) ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENTAL 
        EDUCATION RAPTOR NETWORK                 222,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota 
        raptor center for the second biennium 
        to implement an electronic 
        environmental education network using 
        satellite tracking with birds of prey.  
        The raptor center must seek additional 
        public and private partnerships. 
        (j) GREEN PRINT SUCCESS                  136,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        Ramsey county parks and recreation 
        department for a cooperative project 
        including environmental learning 
        centers, counties, and school districts 
        to prepare, pilot, and disseminate 
        information on successful 
        implementation of the Minnesota green 
        print plan for environmental education. 
        (k) ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS REGIONAL   
        PARK URBAN INTERPRETATION PROGRAM        200,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the city of St. Paul, division of parks 
        and recreation, for a program to 
        increase utilization of St. Paul and 
        Minneapolis regional parks for 
        environmental education activities. 
        Subd. 14.  Benchmarks and Indicators 
        (a) ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS 
        INITIATIVE-CONTINUATION                  250,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for the second biennium of a 
        three biennium project to create a 
        statewide framework for selecting and 
        monitoring environmental indicators to 
        assess and communicate Minnesota's 
        environmental health status and trends. 
        (b) MINNESOTA'S FOREST BIRD DIVERSITY 
        INITIATIVE:  CONTINUATION                 350,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for the fourth biennium of a 
        six-biennium project for a 
        comprehensive monitoring and research 
        program that develops management tools 
        to maintain forest bird diversity.  
        This appropriation is available until 
        June 30, 2000, at which time the 
        project must be completed and final 
        products delivered, unless an earlier 
        date is specified in the work program. 
        (c) WATER QUALITY INDICATORS OF 
        ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS           250,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the pollution control agency to 
        monitor and research the effects of 
        endocrine disrupting chemicals in 
        surface waters on fish and wildlife 
        through analysis of biological effects. 
        (d) STREAM HABITAT PROTECTION:  
        CONTINUATION                             225,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate the stream flow 
        protection program.  This is the third 
        biennium of a proposed eight-biennium 
        effort to establish a watershed level 
        stream habitat database and develop the 
        tools to set protected flows for 
        ecosystem diversity.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (e) WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS MONITORING        160,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the University of 
        Minnesota to monitor wetland 
        restorations for their ecological 
        success and develop a long-term 
        monitoring database. 
        (f) LOONS:  INDICATORS OF MERCURY 
        IN THE ENVIRONMENT                       230,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota to 
        analyze loon exposure to mercury and 
        its effects on loon health and 
        reproduction in the wild. 
        (g) TRAINING AND RESEARCH VESSEL FOR 
        LAKE SUPERIOR                            250,000 
        $130,000 of this appropriation is from 
        the trust fund and $120,000 of this 
        appropriation is from the Great Lakes 
        protection account to the University of 
        Minnesota-Duluth to purchase a vessel 
        for training and research on Lake 
        Superior.  This appropriation must be 
        matched by at least $250,000 of 
        nonstate money.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 2000, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        Subd. 15.  Native Fisheries 
        (a) IMPROVED DECISIONS FOR WALLEYE 
        STOCKING AND SPECIAL REGULATIONS         245,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the University of 
        Minnesota to evaluate outcomes of 
        various stocking and harvest strategies 
        through modeling and genetic marker 
        tracking of the best performing strains 
        to maximize benefits of walleye 
        stocking and harvest regulations on 
        individual lakes.  This appropriation 
        is available until June 30, 2000, at 
        which time the project must be 
        completed and final products delivered, 
        unless an earlier date is specified in 
        the work program. 
        (b) MINNESOTA RARE MUSSEL 
        CONSERVATION                              91,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota to 
        establish and monitor refugia in the 
        St. Croix River to improve freshwater 
        mussel conservation. 
        Subd. 16.  Land Acquisition in High 
        Growth Areas 
        (a) SAND DUNES STATE FOREST 
        ACQUISITION                              400,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to acquire approximately 200 
        acres of lands within the Sand Dunes 
        State Forest, according to the 
        Cambridge area forest resource 
        management plan. 
        (b) ARBORETUM LAND ACQUISITION           450,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota for 
        a grant to the University of Minnesota 
        Landscape Arboretum Foundation for the 
        second biennium for land acquisition to 
        expand the boundary of the Minnesota 
        Landscape Arboretum.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $450,000 of nonstate money. 
        Subd. 17.  Critical Lands or Habitats 
        (a) SUSTAINABLE WOODLANDS ON PRIVATE 
        LANDS                                    875,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources, in cooperation with 
        the Minnesota Forestry Association, to 
        develop stewardship plans for private 
        landowners and implement natural 
        resource projects by providing matching 
        money to private landowners. 
        (b) CANNON RIVER WATERSHED: 
        INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT                    350,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the board of water 
        and soil resources for an agreement 
        with the Cannon River Watershed 
        Partnership for the third biennium to 
        implement activities in the Cannon 
        River watershed through easements, 
        matching grants, and technical 
        assistance. 
        (c) PEATLAND RESTORATION                 275,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the University of 
        Minnesota-Duluth, natural resources 
        research institute, to promote 
        reestablishment of diverse, sustainable 
        peatland ecosystems on harvested 
        peatland sites through accelerated 
        development of cost effective, reliable 
        peatland restoration techniques. 
        (d) PRAIRIE HERITAGE PROJECT             500,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with 
        Pheasants Forever, Inc., to acquire and 
        develop land for prairie grasslands and 
        wetlands to be donated to the public.  
        The land must be open and accessible to 
        the public.  This appropriation must be 
        matched by at least $500,000 of 
        nonstate money.  In addition to the 
        required work program, parcels may not 
        be acquired until parcel lists have 
        been submitted to the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources and 
        the commission has approved the parcel 
        list or allowed 60 days to pass. 
        (e) PHALEN AREA WETLAND 
        RESTORATION, PHASE II                    600,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        city of St. Paul for design, pre- and 
        post-construction monitoring, and 
        construction of approximately nine 
        acres of wetland. 
        (f) POINT DOUGLAS BLUFFLAND 
        ACQUISITION                              125,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature 
        Center to purchase blufflands along the 
        Mississippi and St. Croix riverways.  
        The land must be open and accessible to 
        the public.  The nature center must 
        provide that the property will revert 
        to the state if the property ceases to 
        be used as a nature center that is open 
        and accessible to the public at no 
        charge.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 1999, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        (g) MINNESOTA POINT PROTECTION            75,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        Park Point Community Club for 
        administrative and management expenses 
        to secure the protection of the old 
        growth stands and bird sanctuary at 
        Minnesota Point in Duluth. 
        (h) SAVANNAH RESTORATION FOR 
        SHARP-TAILED GROUSE                       30,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse 
        Society to identify and inventory 
        restorable northern savannahs for 
        sharp-tailed grouse habitat. 
        (i) RIM - CRITICAL HABITAT ACQUISITION 
        AND ENHANCEMENT                          630,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate the reinvest in 
        Minnesota program activities authorized 
        under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        84.943.  Projects must occur in both 
        urban and rural areas.  Retroactive 
        reimbursement for the greening the 
        great river park project is authorized. 
        (j) RIM - WILDLIFE HABITAT 
        STEWARDSHIP                              400,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate the reinvest in 
        Minnesota program to improve wildlife 
        habitat and natural plant communities 
        statewide on public lands, both urban 
        and rural, to protect and enhance 
        wildlife, native plant species, and 
        ecological diversity. 
        (k) SCIENTIFIC AND NATURAL AREA 
        ACQUISITION                              200,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate the acquisition 
        of land for scientific and natural 
        areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        84.033. 
        (l) RIM - WILDLIFE HABITAT 
        ACQUISITION                              500,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate acquisition of 
        North American waterfowl management 
        plan wetlands and associated uplands on 
        a cost-share basis and wildlife habitat 
        in areas of high population growth. 
        (m) RIM - ACCELERATE FISHERIES 
        ACQUISITION                              567,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate the reinvest in 
        Minnesota program to acquire land 
        adjacent to lakes and streams to 
        provide for angler and management 
        access or protection of critical 
        riparian habitat, including access for 
        nonboat owners and urban users.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (n) MINNESOTA COUNTY BIOLOGICAL 
        SURVEY - CONTINUATION                  1,200,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for the sixth biennium of a 
        proposed 12-biennium project to 
        accelerate the county biological survey 
        for the systematic collection, 
        interpretation, and distribution of 
        data on the ecology of rare plants, 
        animals, and natural communities. 
        (o) FISHING PIER AND PUBLIC 
        SHORE ACCESS                             355,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to provide increased access 
        to lakes and rivers statewide through 
        the provision of fishing piers and 
        shoreline access. 
        (p) PUBLIC BOAT ACCESS                   350,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate public water 
        access acquisition and development 
        statewide. 
        (q) FISHERIES STATEWIDE HATCHERY 
        REHABILITATION                           400,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate the reinvest in 
        Minnesota program to implement projects 
        to maintain and improve statewide fish 
        culture facilities.  This appropriation 
        is available until June 30, 2000, at 
        which time the project must be 
        completed and final products delivered, 
        unless an earlier date is specified in 
        the work program. 
        Subd. 18.  Wildlife or Trail Corridors 
        (a) MESABI TRAIL LAND ACQUISITION 
        AND DEVELOPMENT                          600,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the St. Louis and Lake Counties 
        Regional Rail Authority for the third 
        biennium to develop and acquire 
        segments of the Mesabi trail.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $600,000 of nonstate money.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (b) CHIPPEWA COUNTY REGIONAL TRAIL       400,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the city of Montevideo for the second 
        biennium to complete the construction 
        of the Chippewa county trail system in 
        Montevideo.  This appropriation must be 
        matched by at least $226,000 of 
        nonstate money.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 2000, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        Subd. 19.  Native Species Planting 
        (a) MINNESOTA RELEAF TREE PLANTING 
        AND PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM           300,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for the third 
        biennium for matching grants to local 
        communities to plant predominantly 
        native trees and protect native oak 
        forests from oak wilt. 
        (b) RESTORING WHITE PINE IN THE 
        MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE                      120,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the University of Minnesota to 
        investigate factors currently limiting 
        establishment of white pine seedlings 
        in various forest cover types.  
        Management recommendations for natural 
        regeneration, seeding, and planting 
        must be developed. 
        (c) OAK SAVANNAH RESTORATION IN   
        ST. PAUL REGIONAL PARKS                  200,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for an agreement with the 
        city of St. Paul, division of parks and 
        recreation, to restore oak savannah 
        ecosystems in regional parks. 
        (d) PRAIRIE AND OAK SAVANNAH
        RESTORATION                               50,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        the St. Paul Audubon Society to restore 
        natural areas of sites in at least two 
        parks that have residual prairie and 
        oak savannah areas. 
        Subd. 20.  Exotic Species 
        (a) BALLAST WATER TECHNOLOGY 
        DEMONSTRATION FOR EXOTIC 
        SPECIES CONTROL                          250,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for a demonstration 
        project in cooperation with the Duluth 
        Port Authority to test, evaluate, and 
        refine techniques for preventing the 
        introduction and dispersal of exotic 
        species from ballast water into Lake 
        Superior. 
        (b) BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF EURASIAN 
        WATER MILFOIL AND PURPLE 
        LOOSESTRIFE - CONTINUATION               150,000 
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for the third biennium of a 
        five-biennium project to develop 
        biological controls for Eurasian water 
        milfoil and purple loosestrife.  This 
        appropriation is available until June 
        30, 2000, at which time the project 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered, unless an earlier date is 
        specified in the work program. 
        (c) CONTROL OF WEEDS IN NATIVE 
        WILD RICE                                100,000 
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        Bois Forte Reservation for a Nett Lake 
        biocontrol study to remove exotic and 
        nuisance weeds from a wild rice lake.  
        Any release of organisms must be in 
        compliance with state and federal 
        permits.  This appropriation must be 
        matched by at least $100,000 of 
        nonstate money.  This appropriation is 
        available until June 30, 2000, at which 
        time the project must be completed and 
        final products delivered, unless an 
        earlier date is specified in the work 
        program. 
        Subd. 21.  Data Availability Requirements 
        (a) During the biennium ending June 30, 
        1999, the data collected by the 
        projects funded under this section that 
        have common value for natural resource 
        planning and management must conform to 
        information architecture as defined in 
        guidelines and standards adopted by the 
        information policy office and 
        government information access council.  
        These data must be made accessible and 
        free to the public unless made private 
        under the Data Practices Act.  
        (b) As part of their project 
        expenditures, recipients of land 
        acquisition appropriations must provide 
        the information necessary to update 
        public recreation information maps and 
        other appropriate media to the 
        department of natural resources in the 
        specified form. 
        Subd. 22.  Project Requirements 
        It is a condition of acceptance of the 
        appropriations in this section that any 
        agency or entity receiving the 
        appropriation must comply with 
        Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P. 
        Subd. 23.  Match Requirements 
        Unless specifically authorized, 
        appropriations in this section that 
        must be matched and for which the match 
        has not been committed by January 1, 
        1998, are canceled, and in-kind 
        contributions may not be counted as 
        match. 
        Subd. 24.  Payment Conditions and 
        Capital Equipment Expenditures 
        All agreements, grants, or contracts 
        referred to in this section must be 
        administered on a reimbursement basis.  
        Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 16A.41, expenditures made on or 
        after July 1, 1997, or the date the 
        work program is approved, whichever is 
        later, are eligible for reimbursement.  
        Payment must be made upon receiving 
        documentation that project-eligible 
        reimbursable amounts have been 
        expended, except that reasonable 
        amounts may be advanced to projects in 
        order to accommodate cash flow needs. 
        The advances must be approved as part 
        of the work program.  No expenditures 
        for capital equipment are allowed 
        unless expressly authorized in the 
        project work program. 
        Subd. 25.  Purchase of Recycled and 
        Recyclable Materials 
        A political subdivision, public or 
        private corporation, or other entity 
        that receives an appropriation in this 
        section must use the appropriation in 
        compliance with Minnesota Statutes, 
        sections 16B.121 to 16B.123, requiring 
        the purchase of recycled, repairable, 
        and durable materials, the purchase of 
        uncoated paper stock, and the use of 
        soy-based ink, the same as if it were a 
        state agency. 
        Subd. 26.  Carryforward 
        (a) The availability of the 
        appropriations for the following 
        projects is extended to June 30, 1998: 
        Laws 1996, chapter 407, section 8, 
        subdivision 3, paragraph (c), local 
        grants; Laws 1995, chapter 220, section 
        19, subdivision 4, paragraph (e), local 
        grants, paragraph (l), Wildcat Regional 
        Park; subdivision 5, paragraph (d), 
        blufflands landscape, paragraph (f), 
        atmospheric mercury emissions, 
        deposition and environmental cost 
        evaluation, paragraph (i), water 
        quality impacts of feedlot pollution 
        control systems, and paragraph (r), 
        developing, evaluating, and promoting 
        sustainable farming systems; 
        subdivision 6, paragraph (b), 
        environmental education teacher 
        training, paragraph (g), electronic 
        environmental education network; and 
        paragraph (r), as amended by Laws 1996, 
        chapter 407, section 51, Ney 
        environmental center and paragraph (s), 
        Lawndale Environmental Center; 
        subdivision 7, paragraph (f), 
        completion of statewide land use 
        update, paragraph (g), Fillmore county 
        soil survey update, paragraph (j), 
        microbial deterioration of asphalt 
        materials and prevention, and paragraph 
        (k), analysis of lands enrolled in 
        conservation reserve program; 
        subdivision 8, paragraph (a), urban 
        wildlife habitat program; paragraph 
        (e), Phalen wetland restoration; 
        subdivision 11, paragraph (e), energy 
        improvements in public ice arenas. 
        (b) The availability of the 
        appropriation for the following 
        projects is extended to June 30, 1999: 
        Laws 1995, chapter 220, section 19, 
        subdivision 4, paragraph (a), 
        metropolitan regional park system; 
        paragraph (g), clause (1), as amended 
        by Laws 1996, chapter 407, section 50, 
        local share for ISTEA federal projects 
        and subdivision 12, paragraph (a), 
        restore historic Mississippi river mill 
        site; Laws 1994, chapter 632, article 
        2, section 6, Silver Bay harbor; and 
        Laws 1993, chapter 172, section 14, 
        subdivision 10, paragraph (o), Lake 
        Superior safe harbors-continuation. 
        Subd. 27.  Energy Conservation 
        A recipient to whom an appropriation is 
        made in this section for a capital 
        improvement project shall ensure that 
        the project complies with the 
        applicable energy conservation 
        standards contained in law, including 
        Minnesota Statutes, sections 216C.19 to 
        216C.21, and rules adopted thereunder.  
        The recipient may use the energy 
        planning and intervention and energy 
        technologies units of the commissioner 
        of public service to obtain information 
        and technical assistance on energy 
        conservation and alternative energy 
        development relating to the planning 
        and construction of the capital 
        improvement project. 
        Sec. 16.  1997 DEFICIENCIES; 
        DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES  
        $500,000 in fiscal year 1997 is for a 
        binding arbitration award related to 
        the removal of the Flandrau Dam. 
        $600,000 is for snowmobile 
        grants-in-aid from the snowmobile 
        trails and enforcement account for 
        fiscal year 1997, to be available until 
        June 30, 1997. 
        Sec. 17.  ETHANOL DEVELOPMENT
        FUND TRANSFER                                     
        As cash flow in the ethanol development 
        fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        41B.044, permits, but no later than 
        June 30, 1999, the commissioner of 
        finance, in consultation with the 
        commissioner of agriculture, shall 
        transfer $820,000 from the unencumbered 
        balance in the fund to the general fund.
           Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.03, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 12.  [CONTRACTS; APPROPRIATION.] The commissioner may 
        accept money as part of a contract with any public or private 
        entity to provide statutorily prescribed services by the 
        department.  A contract must specify the services to be provided 
        by the department and the amount and method of reimbursement.  
        Money generated in a contractual agreement under this section 
        must be deposited in a special revenue fund and is appropriated 
        to the department for purposes of providing services specified 
        in the contracts.  Contracts under this section must be 
        processed in accordance with section 16B.06.  The commissioner 
        must report revenues collected and expenditures made under this 
        section to the chairs of the environment and natural resources 
        finance committee in the house of representatives and the 
        environment and agriculture budget division in the senate by 
        January 15 of each odd-numbered year. 
           Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.101, is 
        amended to read: 
           17.101 [PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEPARTMENTAL DUTIES.] For the purposes of 
        expanding, improving, and developing the markets for production 
        and marketing of products of Minnesota agriculture, the 
        commissioner shall encourage and promote the production and 
        marketing of these products by means of:  
           (a) advertising Minnesota agricultural products; 
           (b) assisting state agricultural commodity organizations; 
           (c) developing methods to increase processing and marketing 
        of agricultural commodities including commodities not being 
        produced in Minnesota on a commercial scale, but which may have 
        economic potential in national and international markets; 
           (d) investigating and identifying new marketing technology 
        and methods to enhance the competitive position of Minnesota 
        agricultural products; 
           (e) evaluating livestock marketing opportunities; 
           (f) assessing and developing national and international 
        markets for Minnesota agricultural products; 
           (g) studying the conversion of raw agricultural products to 
        manufactured products including ethanol; 
           (h) hosting the visits of foreign trade teams to Minnesota 
        and defraying the teams' expenses; 
           (i) assisting Minnesota agricultural businesses desiring to 
        sell their products; and 
           (j) conducting research to eliminate or reduce specific 
        production or technological barriers to market development and 
        trade; and 
           (k) other activities the commissioner deems appropriate to 
        promote Minnesota agricultural products, provided that the 
        activities do not duplicate programs or services provided by the 
        Minnesota trade division or the Minnesota world trade center 
        corporation. 
           Subd. 2.  [AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS AND CONTRACTS.] 
        In order to carry out the duties in subdivision 1, the 
        commissioner, in addition to whatever other resources the 
        department may commit, shall make grants and enter into 
        contracts to fulfill the obligations of subdivision 1.  The 
        commissioner may enter into partnerships or seek gifts to carry 
        out subdivision 1.  The commissioner may contract with, among 
        others, agricultural commodity organizations, the University of 
        Minnesota, and agriculture related businesses to fulfill the 
        duties.  The commissioner shall make permanent rules for the 
        administration of these grants and contracts.  The rules shall 
        specify at a minimum:  
           (a) eligibility criteria; 
           (b) application procedures; 
           (c) provisions for application review and project approval; 
           (d) provisions for program monitoring and review for all 
        approved grants and contracts; and 
           (e) other provisions the commissioner finds necessary.  
           Contracts entered into by the commissioner pursuant to this 
        subdivision shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the 
        project supported by the commissioner's grant.  In any biennium, 
        no organization shall receive more than $70,000 in grants from 
        the commissioner.  
           Subd. 3.  [AUDITS.] The books, records, documents, and 
        accounting procedures and practices of any organization 
        receiving a grant or contract from the commissioner under the 
        provisions of subdivision 2 shall be subject to examination by 
        the department.  The commissioner may prescribe uniform methods 
        of accounting to be used by grant or contract recipients.  
           Subd. 4.  [ADVISORY GROUP.] The commissioner may establish 
        an ad hoc advisory group to assist in evaluating grant requests 
        made pursuant to under subdivision 2. 
           Subd. 5.  [VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL LIVESTOCK PROCESSING 
        AND MARKETING GRANT PROGRAM.] (a) For purposes of this section, 
        "livestock or dairy processing facility" means land, buildings, 
        structures, fixtures, and improvements located or to be located 
        in Minnesota and used or operated primarily for the processing 
        or production of marketable products from agricultural livestock 
        or dairy commodities produced.  
           (b) The commissioner shall establish and implement a 
        value-added agricultural livestock and dairy processing and 
        marketing grant program to help farmers finance new cooperatives 
        that organize for the purposes of operating livestock and dairy 
        processing facilities and for marketing activities related to 
        the sale and distribution of processed livestock and dairy 
        products.  
           (c) To be eligible for this program a grantee must:  
           (1) be a cooperative organized under chapter 308A; 
           (2) certify that all of the control and equity in the 
        cooperative is from farmers as defined in section 500.24, 
        subdivision 2, who are actively engaged in livestock or dairy 
        production; 
           (3) be operated primarily for the processing of livestock 
        or dairy produced in Minnesota; 
           (4) receive livestock or dairy produced primarily by 
        shareholders or members of the cooperative; and 
           (5) have no direct or indirect involvement in the 
        production of livestock and dairy.  
           (d) The commissioner may receive applications from and make 
        grants up to $50,000 for feasibility, marketing analysis, and 
        predesign of facilities to eligible cooperatives.  The 
        commissioner shall give priority to applicants who use the 
        grants for planning costs related to an application for 
        financial assistance from the United States Department of 
        Agriculture, Rural Business - Cooperative Service. 
           Sec. 20.  [17.110] [BEAVER DAMAGE CONTROL GRANTS.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [ESTABLISHMENT.] The commissioner of 
        agriculture shall establish a beaver damage control grant 
        program to provide grants for the control of beaver activities 
        causing damage to public waters, roads, and ditches and adjacent 
        private property.  The grants may only be made to a joint powers 
        board established under section 471.59 by two or more 
        governmental units and may include Indian tribal governments. 
           Subd. 2.  [GRANT AMOUNT.] The commissioner may provide up 
        to 50 percent of the costs of implementing a beaver damage 
        control program by a joint powers board. 
           Subd. 3.  [AWARDING OF GRANTS.] Applications for grants 
        must be made to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the 
        commissioner.  The commissioner shall consult with town 
        supervisors and county commissioners representing different 
        areas of the state in developing the application form.  A joint 
        powers board seeking a grant may be required to supply 
        information on the beaver control program it has adopted, the 
        extent of the problem in the geographic area covered by the 
        joint powers agreement, and the ability of the joint powers 
        board to match the state grant.  The commissioner may prioritize 
        the grant applications based upon the information requested as 
        part of the grant application. 
           Subd. 4.  [REPORT.] (a) Within one year after receiving a 
        grant under this section, a joint powers board must report to 
        the commissioner on the board's efforts to control beaver in the 
        area. 
           (b) The commissioner shall report to the senate and house 
        environment and natural resources committees on the efforts 
        under this section to control beaver by December 15 of each 
        even-numbered year. 
           Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.116, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [ELIGIBILITY.] (a) Grants may only be made to 
        farmers, educational institutions, individuals at educational 
        institutions, or nonprofit organizations residing or located in 
        the state for demonstrations on farms in the state. 
           (b) Grants may only be made for projects that show: 
           (1) the ability to maximize direct or indirect energy 
        savings or production; 
           (2) a positive effect or reduced adverse effect on the 
        environment; and 
           (3) profitability for the individual farm. 
           Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.116, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [AWARDING OF GRANTS.] (a) Applications for grants 
        must be made to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the 
        commissioner. 
           (b) The applications must be reviewed, ranked, and 
        recommended by a technical review panel appointed by the 
        commissioner.  The technical review panel shall consist of a 
        soil scientist, an agronomist, a representative from a 
        post-secondary educational institution, two resident farmers of 
        the state using sustainable agriculture methods, and a chair 
        from the department.  
           (c) The technical review panel shall rank applications 
        according to the following criteria: 
           (1) direct or indirect energy savings or production; 
           (2) environmental benefit; 
           (3) farm profitability; 
           (4) the number of farms able to apply the techniques or the 
        technology proposed; 
           (5) the effectiveness of the project as a demonstration; 
           (6) the immediate transferability of the project to farms; 
        and 
           (7) the ability of the project to accomplish its goals. 
           (d) The commissioner shall consider the recommendations of 
        the technical review panel and may award grants for eligible 
        projects.  Priority must be given to applicants who are farmers 
        or groups of farmers. 
           (e) Grants for eligible projects may not exceed $25,000 
        unless the portion above $25,000 is matched on an equal basis by 
        the applicant's cash or in-kind land use contribution.  Grant 
        funding of projects may not exceed $50,000 under this section, 
        but applicants may utilize other funding sources.  A portion of 
        each grant must be targeted for public information activities of 
        the project. 
           (f) A project may continue for up to three years.  
        Multiyear projects must be reevaluated by the technical review 
        panel and the commissioner before second or third year funding 
        is approved.  A project is limited to one grant for its funding. 
           (g) Only one grant under this section may be made per 
        grantee. 
           Sec. 23.  [17.458] [AGROFORESTRY.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITION.] "Agroforestry" means the 
        cultivation of short-rotation woody crops using agricultural 
        practices to produce timber or forest products. 
           Subd. 2.  [AGRICULTURAL PURSUIT.] Agroforestry is an 
        agricultural pursuit. 
           Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.4988, is 
        amended to read: 
           17.4988 [LICENSE AND INSPECTION FEES.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE.] A permit or 
        license must be issued by the commissioner if the requirements 
        of law are met and the license and permit fees specified in this 
        section are paid. 
           Subd. 2.  [AQUATIC FARMING LICENSE.] (a) The annual fee for 
        an aquatic farming license is $275. 
           (b) The aquatic farming license may contain endorsements 
        for the rights and privileges of the following licenses under 
        the game and fish laws.  The endorsement must be made upon 
        payment of the license fee prescribed in section 97A.475 for the 
        following licenses: 
           (1) minnow dealer license; 
           (2) minnow retailer license for sale of minnows as bait; 
           (3) minnow exporting license; 
           (4) minnow dealer helper license; 
           (5) aquatic farm vehicle endorsement, which includes a 
        minnow dealer vehicle license, a minnow retailer vehicle 
        license, an exporting minnow hauler vehicle license, and a fish 
        vendor vehicle license; 
           (6) (5) sucker egg taking license; and 
           (7) (6) game fish packers license. 
           Subd. 3.  [INSPECTION FEES.] The fees for the following 
        inspections are:  
           (1) initial inspection of each water to be licensed, $50; 
           (2) fish health inspection and certification, $20 
        plus $80 $100 per lot thereafter; and 
           (3) initial inspection for containment and quarantine 
        facility inspections, $50. 
           Subd. 4.  [AQUARIUM FACILITY.] (a) A person operating a 
        commercial aquarium facility must have a commercial aquarium 
        facility license issued by the commissioner if the facility 
        contains species of aquatic life that are for sale and that are 
        present in waters of the state.  The commissioner may require an 
        aquarium facility license for aquarium facilities importing or 
        holding species of aquatic life that are for sale and that are 
        not present in Minnesota if those species can survive in waters 
        of the state.  The fee for an aquarium facility license 
        is $15 $19. 
           (b) Game fish transferred by an aquarium facility must be 
        accompanied by a receipt containing the information required on 
        a shipping document by section 17.4985, subdivision 3, paragraph 
        (b). 
           Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.76, is 
        amended to read: 
           17.76 [MINNESOTA DAIRY PRODUCERS BOARD.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [ESTABLISHMENT; COMPOSITION; OFFICERS.] (a) 
        The Minnesota dairy producers board consists of 17 18 members.  
        Fourteen of the members must be eligible family dairy 
        producers.  Three Four of the members must represent food 
        consumer groups.  For purposes of this section, "eligible family 
        dairy producer" means a natural person who daily manages and 
        operates a dairy farm owned by the person.  "Eligible family 
        dairy producer" does not include a person who is currently an 
        employee of or a member of the board of directors of an 
        organization involved in milk processing or dairy marketing. 
           (b) The board shall elect from among its members a chair 
        and other appropriate officers. 
           Subd. 2.  [APPOINTMENT; TERMS; COMPENSATION.] (a) Two 
        members of the board shall be appointed by each of seven 
        organizations representing agriculture in Minnesota.  The 
        organizations are: 
           Minnesota Farmers Union; 
           National Farmers Organization; 
           Farmers Union Milk Marketing Cooperative; 
           Minnesota Milk Producers; 
           Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota; 
           Minnesota Farm Bureau; and 
           Minnesota COACT. 
           One member Two members of the board shall be appointed by 
        each of three two organizations representing consumers in 
        Minnesota.  The organizations are: 
           Minnesota Food Association; and 
           Minnesota Senior Federation; and 
           Minnesota COACT. 
           To the extent practicable, the members must be selected to 
        represent the broad diversity of Minnesota's dairy producers. 
           (b) The terms and compensation of members and reimbursement 
        for their expenses is governed by section 15.059. 
           (c) The board expires on June 30, 2001. 
           Subd. 3.  [DUTIES.] (a) The board shall may monitor 
        economic aspects of the dairy production, processing, and 
        marketing process including: 
           (1) the movement of milk by processors; 
           (2) price setting at the Green Bay, Wisconsin, National 
        Cheese Exchange in Chicago; 
           (3) processor pricing schemes methods; 
           (4) producer checkoffs and the use of checkoff funds; 
           (5) federal and state pricing policy; and 
           (6) other activities that affect the farm gate price of raw 
        milk. 
           (b) The board shall may regularly educate producers, 
        processors, consumers, and policymakers about the reasons for 
        inadequate raw milk prices. 
           (c) The board shall may conduct quarterly surveys of dairy 
        producers to identify problems created by milk prices that do 
        not provide a fair return on the investment of producers.  The 
        board must may compile the information from these surveys and 
        recommend solutions to producers. 
           (d) The board shall may determine dairy production costs in 
        each county through periodic surveys and from local 
        organizations of producers. 
           (e) The board shall serve as an advocate for dairy 
        producers in assuring that members of cooperatives are awarded 
        protections similar to the rights of members of cooperative 
        electric associations under section 216B.027. 
           Sec. 26.  [17.861] [REPLACEMENT OF MERCURY MANOMETERS.] 
           The commissioner, in cooperation with the pollution control 
        agency, the office of environmental assistance, dairy equipment 
        manufacturers and suppliers, and other interested parties, shall 
        develop a program to provide replacement nonmercury manometers 
        for a $50 fee and to arrange for the acceptance, disposal, and 
        recycling of the mercury, apparatus, and manometers at no cost 
        to the dairy farmer.  The mercury, manometers, and apparatus 
        shall be managed in accordance with sections 115A.932 and 116.92.
           Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18.79, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 12.  [NOXIOUS-WEED-FREE FORAGE AND MULCH 
        CERTIFICATION AGENCY.] The official certification agency for 
        noxious-weed-free forage and mulch shall be determined by the 
        commissioner of agriculture in consultation with the director of 
        the Minnesota agricultural experiment station. 
           Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.421, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [SEMIANNUAL STATEMENT.] (a) Each licensed 
        distributor of fertilizer and each registrant of a specialty 
        fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment must file a 
        semiannual statement for the periods ending December 31 and June 
        30 with the commissioner on forms furnished by the commissioner 
        stating the number of net tons and grade of each raw fertilizer 
        material distributed or the number of net tons of each brand or 
        grade of fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment 
        distributed in this state during the reporting period. 
           (b) A report from a licensee who sells to an ultimate 
        consumer must be accompanied by records or invoice copies 
        indicating the name of the distributor who paid the inspection 
        fee, the net tons received, and the grade or brand name of the 
        products received.  
           (c) The report is due on or before the last day of the 
        month following the close of each reporting period of each 
        calendar year.  
           (d) The inspection fee at the rate stated in section 
        18C.425, subdivision 6, must accompany the statement.  
           Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.425, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [APPLICATION FEES FERTILIZER LICENSE.] (a) 
        An application for other licenses a license for each fixed 
        location to be covered by the license within the state must be 
        accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $100 fee. 
           (b) An application for a license for all fixed locations of 
        a firm outside of the state must be accompanied by 
        a nonrefundable application fee of $100. 
           (c) An application for a license to cover mobile mechanical 
        units must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of 
        $100 for the first unit operated by one distributor and $50 for 
        each additional mobile mechanical unit.  
           Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.425, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [SPECIALTY FERTILIZER REGISTRATION.] An 
        application for registration of a specialty fertilizer must be 
        accompanied by a registration nonrefundable application fee of 
        $100 for each brand and grade to be sold or distributed as 
        provided in section 18C.411.  
           Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.425, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [SOIL AMENDMENT AND PLANT AMENDMENT 
        REGISTRATION.] An application for registration of a soil 
        amendment or plant amendment must be accompanied by a 
        registration nonrefundable application fee of $200 for each 
        brand sold or distributed as provided in section 18C.411. 
           Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.425, 
        subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [INSPECTION FEES.] A The person who sells or 
        distributes responsible for payment of the inspection fees for 
        fertilizers, soil amendments, or plant amendments sold and used 
        in this state must pay an inspection fee amounting to the 
        greater of 15 cents per ton of fertilizer, soil amendment, and 
        plant amendment sold or distributed in this state or, with a 
        minimum of $10 on all tonnage reports.  Products sold or 
        distributed to manufacturers or exchanged between them are 
        exempt from the inspection fee imposed by this subdivision if 
        the products are used exclusively for manufacturing purposes. 
           Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.531, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [AGRICULTURAL LIMING MATERIALS.] "Agricultural 
        liming materials" means materials whose calcium or magnesium 
        compounds, or both, account for an ENP of 30 20 percent or more 
        and includes, but is not limited to, burnt lime, hydrated lime, 
        industrial by-product, limestone, and marl.  
           Sec. 34.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 18C.551, is 
        amended to read: 
           18C.551 [LICENSE APPLICATION, SAMPLING, AND INSPECTION 
        FEES.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [APPLICATION FEE AGRICULTURAL LIMING 
        MATERIALS LICENSE.] An application for a license must be 
        accompanied by a nonrefundable license application fee of $150.  
        This fee shall does not apply to occasional sales of 50 tons or 
        less on an annual basis.  
           Subd. 2.  [ADDITIONAL FEE AFTER JANUARY 1 FOR LATE 
        APPLICATION.] If an application for license renewal is not filed 
        before January 1, an additional nonrefundable application fee of 
        50 percent of the amount due may be assessed before the renewal 
        license is issued. 
           Subd. 2a.  [FEE FOR PRODUCT USE WITHOUT INITIAL 
        LICENSE.] An applicant shall pay an additional application fee 
        equal to the amount due for each license required if the 
        applicant has distributed or used products in this state before 
        the commissioner has issued an initial license for the products 
        distributed or used. 
           Subd. 3.  [INSPECTION FEES.] A person shall pay an 
        inspection fee, at the rate of five cents per ton, must be paid 
        to the commissioner for all agricultural liming material offered 
        for sale or sold in this state with a minimum of $10 on all 
        tonnage reports.  If more than one person is involved in the 
        distribution of agricultural liming material, the person who 
        first sells or imports the agricultural liming material is 
        responsible for the inspection fee.  A person licensed under 
        section 18C.541 must retain invoices showing proof of inspection 
        fees paid.  
           Subd. 4.  [SAMPLE AND ANALYSIS FEE.] The commissioner may 
        sample agricultural liming material from a source of production 
        to the extent the commissioner considers necessary to implement 
        sections 18C.531 to 18C.575.  The commissioner shall charge a 
        sampling fee of $40 must be assessed for each sample collected.  
        If the sample and analysis fee is not paid before 60 days after 
        billing, the commissioner shall assess an additional 
        nonrefundable late payment fee of 50 percent of the total sample 
        and analysis fee due. 
           Subd. 5.  [DEPOSIT OF FEES.] Fees and penalties collected 
        under sections 18C.531 to 18C.575 must be deposited in the 
        general fund.  
           Sec. 35.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.31, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.31 [CITATION, COMMERCIAL FEED LAW.] 
           Sections 25.31 to 25.44 shall be 25.43 are known and may be 
        cited as the Minnesota Commercial Feed Law. 
           Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.32, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.32 [ENFORCING OFFICIAL.] 
           Sections 25.31 to 25.44 25.43 shall be administered by the 
        commissioner of the department of agriculture, hereinafter 
        referred to as the "commissioner". 
           Sec. 37.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [SCOPE.] When used in sections 25.31 to 
        25.44 25.43, the terms defined in this section have the meanings 
        given them. 
           Sec. 38.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, 
        subdivision 5, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 5.  [COMMERCIAL FEED.] "Commercial feed" means all 
        materials except or combinations of materials that are 
        distributed or intended to be distributed for use as feed or for 
        mixing in feed, including feed for aquatic animals, unless the 
        materials are specifically exempted.  Unmixed seed, whole or 
        processed, when seeds and physically altered entire unmixed 
        seeds, if the whole or physically altered seeds are not 
        chemically changed or are not adulterated within the meaning of 
        section 25.37, paragraphs paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) which 
        are distributed for use as feed or for mixing in feed, including 
        feed for aquatic animals are exempt.  The commissioner by rule 
        may exempt from this definition, or from specific provisions of 
        sections 25.31 to 25.44 25.43, commodities such as hay, straw, 
        stover, silage, cobs, husks, hulls, and individual chemical 
        compounds or substances when such if those commodities, 
        compounds, or substances are not intermixed with other 
        materials, and are not adulterated within the meaning of section 
        25.37, paragraphs paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d). 
           Sec. 39.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, 
        subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [FEED INGREDIENT.] "Feed ingredient" means each 
        of the constituent materials making up a commercial feed or pet 
        food.  
           Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, 
        subdivision 9, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 9.  [CUSTOMER FORMULA FEED.] "Customer formula feed" 
        means commercial feed which consists of a mixture of commercial 
        feeds or feed ingredients or both, each batch of which is 
        manufactured according to the specific instructions of the final 
        purchaser.  
           Sec. 41.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, 
        subdivision 20, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 20.  [PET.] "Pet" means any a domesticated animal dog 
        or cat normally maintained in or near the household of the its 
        owner thereof.  
           Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 21.  [COMMISSIONER.] "Commissioner" means the 
        commissioner of agriculture or a designated representative. 
           Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read:  
           Subd. 22.  [SPECIALTY PET.] "Specialty pet" means a 
        domesticated animal normally maintained in a cage or tank, 
        including, but not limited to, a gerbil, hamster, canary, 
        psittacine bird, mynah, finch, tropical fish, goldfish, snake, 
        or turtle.  "Specialty pet" does not include a dog, cat, horse, 
        rabbit, or wild bird.  
           Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 23.  [SPECIALTY PET FOOD.] "Specialty pet food" means 
        commercial feed prepared and distributed for consumption by 
        specialty pets. 
           Sec. 45.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.33, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read:  
           Subd. 24.  [QUANTITY STATEMENT.] "Quantity statement" means 
        a statement of the net weight (mass), net volume (liquid or 
        dry), count, or other form of measurement. 
           Sec. 46.  [25.341] [LICENSING.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [REQUIREMENT.] Before a person may:  (1) 
        manufacture a commercial feed in the state; (2) distribute a 
        commercial feed in or into the state; or (3) have the person's 
        name appear on the label of a commercial feed as guarantor, the 
        person must have a commercial feed license for each 
        manufacturing or distributing facility.  A person who makes only 
        retail sales of commercial feed bearing labeling or another 
        approved indication that the commercial feed is from a licensed 
        manufacturer, guarantor, or distributor who has assumed full 
        responsibility for the tonnage inspection fee due under sections 
        25.31 to 25.43 is not required to obtain a license.  
           Subd. 2.  [APPLICATION; FEE; TERM.] A person who is 
        required to have a commercial feed license shall submit an 
        application on a form provided or approved by the commissioner 
        accompanied by a license fee of $25 paid to the commissioner for 
        each facility.  The license year is the calendar year.  A 
        license expires on December 31 of the year for which it is 
        issued, except that a license is valid through January 31 of the 
        next year or until the issuance of the renewal license, 
        whichever comes first, if the licensee has filed a renewal 
        application with the commissioner on or before December 31 of 
        the year for which the current license was issued.  A new 
        applicant who fails to obtain a license within 15 working days 
        of notification of the requirement to obtain a license, or a 
        licensee who fails to comply with license renewal requirements, 
        shall pay a $50 late fee in addition to the license fee.  The 
        commissioner may issue a withdrawal from distribution order on 
        any commercial feed that an unlicensed person produces or 
        distributes in the state until a license is issued.  
           Subd. 3.  [COPIES OF LABELS.] The commissioner may request 
        from a licensee copies of labels and labeling in order to 
        determine compliance with sections 25.31 to 25.43.  
           Subd. 4.  [DENIAL; REVOCATION; SUSPENSION; LIMITS.] The 
        commissioner may deny a license to a person or suspend or revoke 
        the license of a person who is not in compliance with sections 
        25.31 to 25.43.  The commissioner may impose conditions that 
        limit production or distribution of a particular commercial feed 
        on the license of a person who is not in compliance with 
        sections 25.31 to 25.43.  A license may not be made conditional, 
        suspended, refused, or revoked unless the applicant or licensee 
        has been given an opportunity to be heard before the 
        commissioner in order to comply with the requirements of 
        sections 25.31 to 25.43.  
           Sec. 47.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.35, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.35 [LABELING.] 
           A commercial feed shall be labeled as follows: 
           (a) In case of A commercial feed, except a customer formula 
        feed, it shall must be accompanied by a label bearing the 
        following information: 
           (1) The net weight. 
           (2) the product name and the brand name, if any, under 
        which the commercial feed is distributed.; 
           (3) (2) the guaranteed analysis, stated in such terms as 
        the commissioner requires by rule determines is required, to 
        advise the user of the composition of the feed or to support 
        claims made in the labeling.  In all cases The substances or 
        elements must be determinable by laboratory methods such as the 
        methods published by the Association of Official Analytical 
        Chemists. AOAC International or other generally recognized 
        methods; 
           (4) (3) the common or usual name of each ingredient used in 
        the manufacture of the commercial feed.  The commissioner may by 
        rule permit the use of a collective term for a group of 
        ingredients which perform a similar function, or may exempt such 
        commercial feeds, or any group thereof, of commercial feeds from 
        this requirement of an ingredient statement on finding that such 
        an ingredient statement is not required in the interest of 
        consumers.; 
           (5) (4) the name and principal mailing address of the 
        manufacturer or the person responsible for distributing the 
        commercial feed.; 
           (6) (5) adequate directions for use for all commercial 
        feeds containing drugs and for such other feeds as the 
        commissioner may require by rule as necessary for their safe and 
        effective use.; 
           (7) Such (6) precautionary statements as which the 
        commissioner determines by rule determines are necessary for the 
        safe and effective use of the commercial feed; and 
           (7) a quantity statement.  
           (b) In the case of A customer formula feed, it shall must 
        be accompanied by a label, invoice, delivery slip, or other 
        shipping document, bearing the following information: 
           (1) name and address of the manufacturer.; 
           (2) name and address of the purchaser.; 
           (3) date of delivery.; 
           (4) the product name and brand name, if any, and either 
        (1) (i) the net weight quantity of each registered commercial 
        feed used in the mixture, and the net weight of each other 
        ingredient used in the mixture, or (2) (ii) a guaranteed 
        analysis and list of ingredients in paragraph (A), (3) and 
        (4). (a), clauses (2) and (3); 
           (5) adequate directions for use for all customer formula 
        feeds containing drugs and for such other feeds as the 
        commissioner may require requires by rule as necessary for their 
        safe and effective use.; 
           (6) Such precautionary statements as the commissioner 
        determines by rule determines are necessary for the safe and 
        effective use of the customer formula feed.; 
           (7) if a product containing a drug is used:  
           (i) the purpose of the medication (claim statement); and 
           (ii) the established name of each active drug ingredient 
        and the level of each drug used in the final mixture expressed 
        in a manner required by the commissioner by rule; and 
           (8) for a customer formula feed for which the formula is 
        developed by someone other than the manufacturer, a disclaimer 
        may be included on the label stating "THIS FEED IS A CUSTOMER 
        FORMULA FEED DEVELOPED BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE MANUFACTURER.  
        THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT CLAIM, REPRESENT, WARRANT, OR 
        GUARANTEE, AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY 
        OF THIS FEED OR THE NUTRITIONAL SUITABILITY OF THIS FEED FOR ITS 
        INTENDED PURPOSE." 
           (c) The manufacturer of a customer formula feed the formula 
        of which is developed by someone other than the manufacturer is 
        not responsible or liable for the nutritional adequacy or the 
        nutritional suitability of the feed for its intended purpose if: 
        (1) the manufacturer does not make a claim of nutritional 
        adequacy for the customer formula feed and does not make a claim 
        for nutritional suitability of the feed for its intended 
        purpose; and (2) the manufacturer includes the disclaimer in 
        paragraph (b), clause (8).  A person other than the manufacturer 
        who develops or recommends a formula for a customer formula feed 
        is responsible for providing to the manufacturer of the feed the 
        appropriate labeling information and for providing the 
        appropriate use information to the feed manufacturer.  
           Sec. 48.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.36, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.36 [MISBRANDING.] 
           A commercial feed shall be deemed to be is misbranded if: 
           (a) If (1) its labeling is false or misleading in any 
        particular.; 
           (b) If (2) it is distributed under the name of another 
        commercial feed.; 
           (c) If (3) it is not labeled as required in section 25.35.; 
           (d) If (4) it purports to be or is represented as a 
        commercial feed, or if it purports to contain or is represented 
        as containing a commercial feed ingredient unless such that 
        commercial feed or feed ingredient conforms to the definition, 
        if any, prescribed by rule by the commissioner.; 
           (e) If (5) any word, statement, or other information 
        required by or under authority of sections 25.31 to 25.44 25.43 
        to appear on the label or labeling is not prominently 
        placed thereon on it with such conspicuousness as compared with 
        other words, statements, designs, or devices in the labeling, 
        and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and 
        understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions 
        of purchase and use; or 
           (6) its labeling would deceive or mislead the purchaser 
        with respect to its composition or suitability. 
           Sec. 49.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.37, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.37 [ADULTERATION.] 
           (a) A commercial feed shall be deemed to be or a material 
        exempted from the definition of commercial feed under section 
        25.33, subdivision 5, is adulterated if: 
           (a) If (1) it bears or contains any a poisonous or 
        deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; 
        but in case the substance is not an added substance, such the 
        commercial feed shall is not be considered adulterated under 
        this section if the quantity of such the substance in such the 
        commercial feed does not ordinarily render it injurious to 
        health; or 
           (b) If (2) it bears or contains any an added poisonous, 
        added deleterious, or added nonnutritive substance which is 
        unsafe within the meaning of section 406 of the federal Food, 
        Drug, and Cosmetic Act, other than the one which is a pesticide 
        chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity, or a food 
        additive; or 
           (c) If (3) it is, unsafe or it bears or contains any food 
        additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section 409 of 
        the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; or 
           (d) If (4) it is a raw agricultural commodity and it bears 
        or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe within the 
        meaning of section 408(a) of the federal Food, Drug, and 
        Cosmetic Act; provided, that where a pesticide chemical has been 
        used in or on a raw agricultural commodity in conformity with an 
        exemption granted or a tolerance prescribed under section 408 of 
        the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and such that raw 
        agricultural commodity has been subjected to processing such as 
        canning, cooking, freezing, dehydrating, or milling, the residue 
        of such the pesticide chemical remaining in or on such the 
        processed feed shall is not be deemed unsafe if such the 
        residue in or on the raw agricultural commodity has been removed 
        to the extent possible in good manufacturing practice and the 
        concentration of such the residue in the processed feed is not 
        greater than the tolerance prescribed for the raw agricultural 
        commodity unless the feeding of such the processed feed will 
        result or is likely to result in a pesticide residue in the 
        edible product of the animal, which is unsafe within the meaning 
        of section 408(a) of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
        Act; or 
           (e) If (5) it is, or it bears or contains any color 
        additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section 706 of 
        the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; or 
           (6) it is, or it bears or contains, any new animal drug 
        which is unsafe within the meaning of section 512 of the federal 
        Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; 
           (7) it consists, in whole or in part, of any filthy, 
        putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for feed; 
           (8) it has been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary 
        conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or 
        may have been rendered injurious to health; 
           (9) it is, in whole or in part, the product of a diseased 
        animal or of an animal which has died otherwise than by 
        slaughter which is unsafe within the meaning of section 
        402(a)(1) or (2) of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; 
           (10) its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any 
        poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents 
        injurious to health; or 
           (11) it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, 
        unless the use of the radiation was in conformity with a 
        regulation or exemption in effect under section 409 of the 
        federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.  
           (b) A commercial feed is adulterated if: 
           (f) If (1) any valuable constituent has been in whole or in 
        part omitted or abstracted therefrom from it or any less 
        valuable substance substituted therefor for a constituent; or 
           (g) If (2) its composition or quality falls below or 
        differs from that which it is purported or is represented to 
        possess by its labeling; or 
           (h) If (3) it contains a drug and the methods used in or 
        the facilities or controls used for its manufacture, processing, 
        or packaging do not conform to current good manufacturing 
        practice rules promulgated by the commissioner to assure that 
        the drug meets the requirement safety requirements of sections 
        25.31 to 25.44 as to safety 25.43 and has the identity and 
        strength and meets the quality and purity characteristics which 
        it purports or is represented to possess.  In promulgating such 
        adopting rules under this clause, the commissioner shall adopt 
        the current good manufacturing practice rules for medicated feed 
        premixes and for medicated feeds established under authority of 
        the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless the 
        commissioner determines that they are not appropriate to the 
        conditions which exist in this state; or 
           (i) If (4) it contains viable weed seeds in amounts 
        exceeding the limits which established by the commissioner shall 
        establish by rule. 
           Sec. 50.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.38, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.38 [PROHIBITED ACTS.] 
           The following acts and the causing thereof within the state 
        of the following acts in Minnesota are prohibited: 
           (a) The (1) manufacture or distribution of any commercial 
        feed that is adulterated or misbranded.; 
           (b) The (2) adulteration or misbranding of any commercial 
        feed.; 
           (c) The (3) distribution of agricultural commodities such 
        as whole seed, hay, straw, stover, silage, cobs, husks, and 
        hulls, which are adulterated within the meaning of section 
        25.37, paragraph (a), (b), (c), and (d).; 
           (d) The (4) removal or disposal of a commercial feed in 
        violation of an order under section 25.42.; 
           (e) The (5) failure or refusal to register in accordance 
        with obtain a commercial feed license under section 
        25.34. 25.341 or to provide a small package listing under 
        section 25.39; or 
           (f) (6) failure to pay inspection fees or file reports as 
        required by section 25.39.  
           Sec. 51.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.39, is 
        amended to read: 
           25.39 [INSPECTION FEES AND REPORTS.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [AMOUNT OF FEE.] (a) An inspection fee at 
        the rate of 16 cents per ton shall must be paid to the 
        commissioner on commercial feeds distributed in this state by 
        the person who first distributes the commercial feed to the 
        consumer, subject to the following, except that no fee needs to 
        be paid on: 
           (a) No fee shall be paid on (1) a commercial feed if the 
        payment has been made by a previous distributor.; 
           (b) No fee shall be paid on (2) customer formula feeds if 
        the inspection fee is paid on the commercial feeds which are 
        used as ingredients therein.; or 
           (c) No fee shall be paid on (3) commercial feeds which are 
        used as ingredients for the manufacture of commercial 
        feeds which are registered if the fee has been paid by a 
        previous distributor.  If the fee has already been paid, 
        credit shall must be given for such that payment.  A Minnesota 
        feed distributor who distributes commercial feed to purchasers 
        outside the state may purchase commercial feeds, without payment 
        by any person of the inspection fee required on such those 
        purchases, under a permit issued by the commissioner.  Such 
        permits shall only be issued to commercial feed distributors who 
        comply with such rules as may be required adopted by the 
        commissioner relative to recordkeeping, tonnage of commercial 
        feed distributed in Minnesota, total of all commercial feed 
        tonnage distributed, and all other information which the 
        commissioner may require so as to insure ensure that proper 
        inspection fee payment has been made.  
           (d) (b) In the case of a commercial feed which is pet food 
        distributed in the state only in packages of ten pounds or less, 
        a listing of each product and a current label for each product 
        must be submitted annually on forms provided by the commissioner 
        and accompanied by an annual fee of $50 shall be paid for each 
        product in lieu of the inspection fee specified above.  This 
        annual fee is due by July 1.  The inspection fee required by 
        paragraph (a) applies to pet food distributed in packages 
        exceeding ten pounds. 
           (c) In the case of specialty pet food distributed in the 
        state only in packages of ten pounds or less, a listing of each 
        product and a current label for each product must be submitted 
        annually on forms provided by the commissioner and accompanied 
        by an annual fee of $25 for each product in lieu of the 
        inspection fee.  This annual fee is due by July 1.  The 
        inspection fee required by paragraph (a) applies to specialty 
        pet food distributed in packages exceeding ten pounds.  
           (d) The minimum inspection fee is $10 per annual reporting 
        period. 
           Subd. 1a.  [CONTAINERS OF TEN POUNDS OR LESS.] A 
        distributor who is subject to the annual fee specified in 
        subdivision 1, paragraph (b) or (c), shall do the following:  
           (1) before beginning distribution, file with the 
        commissioner a listing of pet and specialty pet foods to be 
        distributed in the state only in containers of ten pounds or 
        less, on forms provided by the commissioner.  The listing under 
        this clause must be renewed annually before July 1 and is the 
        basis for the payment of the annual fee.  New products added 
        during the year must be submitted to the commissioner as a 
        supplement to the annual listing before distribution; and 
           (2) if the annual renewal of the listing is not received 
        before July 1 or if an unlisted product is distributed, pay a 
        late filing fee of $10 per product in addition to the normal 
        charge for the listing.  The late filing fee under this clause 
        is in addition to any other penalty under this chapter.  
           Subd. 2.  [SEMIANNUAL ANNUAL STATEMENT.] Each A person who 
        is liable for the payment of such a fee under this section shall 
        file with the commissioner on forms furnished by the 
        commissioner, a semiannual an annual statement for the periods 
        ending December 31 and June 30 setting forth the number of net 
        tons of commercial feeds distributed in this state during such 
        reporting period the calendar year.  The report shall be is 
        due on or before by the 30th 31st of the month following the 
        close of each reporting period of each calendar year each 
        January.  The inspection fee at the rate specified in 
        subdivision 1, shall must accompany the statement.  For each 
        tonnage report not filed or payment of inspection fees not 
        made within 30 days after the end of a reporting period on time, 
        a penalty of 10 ten percent of the amount due, with a minimum 
        penalty of $10, shall must be assessed against the registrant, 
        and the amount of fees due, plus penalty, shall constitute is a 
        debt and may be recovered in a civil action against the 
        registrant.  The assessment of this penalty shall does not 
        prevent the department from taking other actions as provided in 
        this chapter.  
           Subd. 3.  [RECORDS.] Each distributor person required to 
        pay an inspection fee or to report in accordance with this 
        section shall keep such records as may be that are necessary or 
        required by the commissioner to indicate accurately the tonnage 
        of commercial feed distributed in this state, and the 
        commissioner shall have the right to may examine such those 
        records to verify statements of tonnage.  Failure to make an 
        accurate statement of tonnage or to pay the inspection fee or 
        comply as provided herein shall constitute with this section is 
        sufficient cause for the cancellation of all registrations on 
        file for the commercial feed license of the distributor.  
           Subd. 4.  [COMMERCIAL FEED INSPECTION ACCOUNT.] A 
        commercial feed inspection account is established in the state 
        treasury.  Fees and penalties collected under sections 25.35 to 
        25.44 25.43 and interest attributable to money in the account 
        must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the 
        commercial feed inspection account.  
           Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 25.41, 
        subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [METHODS.] Sampling and analysis shall must be 
        conducted in accordance with methods published by 
        the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC 
        International or in accordance with other generally recognized 
        methods.  
           Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 28A.08, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [FEES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1996.] 
                                                          Penalties 
        Type of food handler                    License  Late     No
                                                Fee      Renewal  License
                                                Effective
                                                July 1, 1996
        1.   Retail food handler
             (a) Having gross sales of only
             prepackaged nonperishable food
             of less than $15,000 for 
             the immediately previous 
             license or fiscal year and 
             filing a statement with the 
             commissioner                       $ 45     $ 15     $ 25
             (b) Having under $15,000 gross
             sales including food preparation 
             or having $15,000 to $50,000 
             gross sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $ 61     $ 15     $ 25
             (c) Having $50,000 to $250,000 
             gross sales for the immediately  
             previous license or fiscal year    $118     $ 35     $ 75
             (d) Having $250,000 to 
             $1,000,000 gross sales for the 
             immediately previous license or 
             fiscal year                        $202     $ 50     $100
             (e) Having $1,000,000 to 
             $5,000,000 gross sales for the 
             immediately previous license or 
             fiscal year                        $562     $100     $175
             (f) Having $5,000,000 to
             $10,000,000 gross sales for the
             immediately previous license or
             fiscal year                        $787     $150     $300
             (g) Having over $10,000,000
             gross sales for the immediately
             previous license or fiscal year    $899     $200     $350
        2.   Wholesale food handler
             (a) Having gross sales or
             service of less than $25,000
             for the immediately previous 
             license or fiscal year             $ 50     $ 15     $ 15
             (b) Having $25,000 to
             $250,000 gross sales or
             service for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $225     $ 50     $100
             (c) Having $250,000 to 
             $1,000,000 gross sales or
             service from a mobile unit
             without a separate food facility
             for the immediately previous
             license or fiscal year             $337     $ 75     $150
             (d) Having $250,000 to 
             $1,000,000 gross sales or
             service not covered under 
             paragraph (c) for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $449     $100     $200
             (e) Having $1,000,000 to
             $5,000,000 gross sales or 
             service for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $562     $125     $250
             (f) Having over $5,000,000 gross
             sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $647     $150     $300
        3.   Food broker                        $112     $ 30     $ 50
        4.   Wholesale food processor
             or manufacturer 
             (a) Having gross sales of less 
             than $250,000 $125,000 for the 
             immediately previous license 
             or fiscal year                     $310     $ 75     $150 
                                                $150     $ 50     $100 
             (b) Having $250,000 $125,000 
             to $1,000,000 $250,000 gross 
             sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $449     $100     $200 
                                                $310     $ 75     $150 
             (c) Having $1,000,000 $250,001 
             to $5,000,000 $1,000,000 gross 
             sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $562     $125     $250 
                                                $449     $100     $200 
             (d) Having over $1,000,001 
             to $5,000,000 gross sales 
             for the immediately previous  
             license or fiscal year             $647     $150     $300 
                                                $562     $125     $250 
             (e) Having $5,000,001 to 
             $10,000,000 gross sales for 
             the immediately previous 
             license or fiscal year             $647     $150     $300 
             (f) Having over $10,000,000 
             gross sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $900     $200     $350 
        5.   Wholesale food processor of
             meat or poultry products
             under supervision of the
             U. S. Department of Agriculture 
             (a) Having gross sales of less 
             than $250,000 $125,000 for the 
             immediately previous license 
             or fiscal year                     $169     $ 50     $ 75
                                                $100     $ 25     $ 50
             (b) Having $250,000 $125,000 
             to $1,000,000 $250,000 gross 
             sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $253     $ 75     $125
                                                $169     $ 50     $ 75
             (c) Having $1,000,000 $250,001 
             to $5,000,000 $1,000,000 gross 
             sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $310     $ 75     $150
                                                $253              $125
             (d) Having over $1,000,001 
             to $5,000,000 gross sales 
             for the immediately previous 
             license or fiscal year             $366     $100     $175
                                                $310     $ 75     $150
             (e) Having $5,000,001 to 
             $10,000,000 gross sales for 
             the immediately previous 
             license or fiscal year             $366     $100     $175 
             (f) Having over $10,000,000 
             gross sales for the immediately 
             previous license or fiscal year    $500     $150     $250 
        6.   Wholesale food manufacturer
             having the permission of the
             commissioner to use the name
             Minnesota Farmstead cheese         $ 30     $ 10     $ 15
        7.   Nonresident frozen dairy 
             manufacturer                       $200     $ 50     $ 75
        8.   Wholesale food manufacturer
             processing less than 70,000 700,000
             pounds per year of cultured 
             dairy food as defined in 
             section 32.486, subdivision 1,
             paragraph (b) raw milk             $ 30     $ 10     $ 15
        9.   A milk marketing organization
             without facilities for 
             processing or manufacturing 
             that purchases milk from milk
             producers for delivery to a
             licensed wholesale food 
             processor or manufacturer          $ 50     $ 15     $ 25
           Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 32.103, is 
        amended to read: 
           32.103 [INSPECTION OF DAIRIES.] 
           (a) At times the commissioner determines proper, the 
        commissioner shall cause to be inspected all places where dairy 
        products are made, stored, or served as food for pay, and all 
        places where cows are kept by persons engaged in the sale of 
        milk, and shall require the correction of all insanitary 
        conditions and practices found.  During routine inspections or 
        as necessary, the commissioner shall inspect for: 
           (1) evidence of use of rBGH in violation of section 32.75, 
        by producers providing affidavits of nontreatment under that 
        section; and 
           (2) mercury manometers in violation of section 116.92. 
           (b) A refusal or physical threat that prevents the 
        completion of an inspection or neglect to obey a lawful 
        direction of the commissioner or the commissioner's agent given 
        while carrying out this section may result in the suspension of 
        the offender's permit or certification.  The offender is 
        required to meet with a representative of the offender's plant 
        or marketing organization and a representative of the 
        commissioner within 48 hours excluding holidays or weekends or 
        the suspension will take effect.  A producer may request a 
        hearing before the commissioner or the commissioner's agent if a 
        serious concern exists relative to the retention of the 
        offender's permit or certification to sell milk. 
           Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 32.394, 
        subdivision 11, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 11.  [WAIVER OF RULES; WATER WELL DISTANCE 
        REQUIREMENT.] A dairy farmer who wishes to be permitted to 
        produce grade A milk may not be denied the grade A permit solely 
        because of provisions in rules adopted by the commissioner of 
        health requiring a minimum distance between a water well and a 
        dairy barn.  To be eligible for a grade A permit, the following 
        conditions must be met: 
           (1) the water well must have been in place prior to January 
        1, 1974; 
           (2) the water well must comply with all rules of the 
        commissioner of health other than the minimum distance 
        requirement; and 
           (3) water from the well must be tested at least once every 
        six months in compliance with guidelines established by the 
        commissioner of agriculture unless the water from the well meets 
        water quality requirements for three consecutive years, in which 
        case the water must be tested only once every 12 months until 
        the water fails to meet water quality requirements during one of 
        the tests. 
           Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 32.415, is 
        amended to read: 
           32.415 [MILK FOR MANUFACTURING; QUALITY STANDARDS.] 
           (a) The commissioner may adopt rules to provide uniform 
        quality standards, and producers of milk used for manufacturing 
        purposes shall conform to the standards contained in Subparts B, 
        C, D, E, and F of the United States Department of Agriculture 
        Consumer and Marketing Service Recommended Requirements for Milk 
        for Manufacturing Purposes and its Production and Processing, 
        Vol. 37 Federal Register, No. 68, Part II, April 7, 1972, as 
        revised through March 1, 1996 1997, except that the commissioner 
        shall develop methods by which producers can comply with the 
        standards without violation of religious beliefs.  
           (b) The commissioner shall perform or contract for the 
        performance of the inspections necessary to implement this 
        section or shall certify dairy industry personnel to perform the 
        inspections.  
           (c) The commissioner and other employees of the department 
        shall make every reasonable effort to assist producers in 
        achieving the milk quality standards at minimum cost and to use 
        the experience and expertise of the University of Minnesota and 
        the agricultural extension service to assist producers in 
        achieving the milk quality standards in the most cost-effective 
        manner.  
           (d) The commissioner shall consult with producers, 
        processors, and others involved in the dairy industry in order 
        to prepare for the implementation of this section including 
        development of informational and educational materials, 
        meetings, and other methods of informing producers about the 
        implementation of standards under this section. 
           Sec. 57.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 41A.09, 
        subdivision 3a, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3a.  [PAYMENTS.] (a) The commissioner of agriculture 
        shall make cash payments to producers of ethanol, anhydrous 
        alcohol, and wet alcohol located in the state.  These payments 
        shall apply only to ethanol, anhydrous alcohol, and wet alcohol 
        fermented in the state and produced at plants that have begun 
        production by June 30, 2000.  For the purpose of this 
        subdivision, an entity that holds a controlling interest in more 
        than one ethanol plant is considered a single producer.  The 
        amount of the payment for each producer's annual production is: 
           (1) except as provided in paragraph (b), for each gallon of 
        ethanol or anhydrous alcohol produced on or before June 30, 
        2000, or ten years after the start of production, whichever is 
        later, 20 cents per gallon; and 
           (2) for each gallon produced of wet alcohol on or before 
        June 30, 2000, or ten years after the start of production, 
        whichever is later, a payment in cents per gallon calculated by 
        the formula "alcohol purity in percent divided by five," and 
        rounded to the nearest cent per gallon, but not less than 11 
        cents per gallon. 
           The producer payments for anhydrous alcohol and wet alcohol 
        under this section may be paid to either the original producer 
        of anhydrous alcohol or wet alcohol or the secondary processor, 
        at the option of the original producer, but not to both. 
           (b) If the level of production at an ethanol plant 
        increases due to an increase in the production capacity of the 
        plant and the increased production begins by June 30, 2000, the 
        payment under paragraph (a), clause (1), applies to the 
        additional increment of production until ten years after the 
        increased production began.  Once a plant's production capacity 
        reaches 15,000,000 gallons per year, no additional increment 
        will qualify for the payment. 
           (c) The commissioner shall make payments to producers of 
        ethanol or wet alcohol in the amount of 1.5 cents for each 
        kilowatt hour of electricity generated using closed-loop biomass 
        in a cogeneration facility at an ethanol plant located in the 
        state.  Payments under this paragraph shall be made only for 
        electricity generated at cogeneration facilities that begin 
        operation by June 30, 2000.  The payments apply to electricity 
        generated on or before the date ten years after the producer 
        first qualifies for payment under this paragraph.  Total 
        payments under this paragraph in any fiscal year may not exceed 
        $750,000.  For the purposes of this paragraph: 
           (1) "closed-loop biomass" means any organic material from a 
        plant that is planted for the purpose of being used to generate 
        electricity or for multiple purposes that include being used to 
        generate electricity; and 
           (2) "cogeneration" means the combined generation of: 
           (i) electrical or mechanical power; and 
           (ii) steam or forms of useful energy, such as heat, that 
        are used for industrial, commercial, heating, or cooling 
        purposes. 
           (d) The total payments under paragraphs (a) and (b) to all 
        producers may not exceed $30,000,000 $34,000,000 in a fiscal 
        year.  Total payments under paragraphs (a) and (b) to a producer 
        in a fiscal year may not exceed $3,000,000. 
           (e) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, 
        each producer shall file a claim for payment for ethanol, 
        anhydrous alcohol, and wet alcohol production during the 
        preceding three calendar months.  A producer with more than one 
        plant shall file a separate claim for each plant.  A producer 
        shall file a separate claim for the original production capacity 
        of each plant and for each additional increment of production 
        that qualifies under paragraph (b).  A producer that files a 
        claim under this subdivision shall include a statement of the 
        producer's total ethanol, anhydrous alcohol, and wet alcohol 
        production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by the claim, 
        including anhydrous alcohol and wet alcohol produced or received 
        from an outside source.  A producer shall file a separate claim 
        for any amount claimed under paragraph (c).  For each claim and 
        statement of total ethanol, anhydrous alcohol, and wet alcohol 
        production filed under this subdivision, the volume of ethanol, 
        anhydrous alcohol, and wet alcohol production or amounts of 
        electricity generated using closed-loop biomass must be examined 
        by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with 
        standards established by the American Institute of Certified 
        Public Accountants. 
           (f) Payments shall be made November 15, February 15, May 
        15, and August 15.  A separate payment shall be made for each 
        claim filed.  The total quarterly payment to a producer under 
        this paragraph, excluding amounts paid under paragraph (c), may 
        not exceed $750,000.  If the total amount for which all 
        producers are eligible in a quarter under paragraphs (a) and (b) 
        exceeds $7,500,000 $8,500,000, the commissioner shall make 
        payments in the order in which the portion of production 
        capacity covered by each claim went into production.  If the 
        total amount of ethanol or wet alcohol production reported for a 
        quarter under paragraph (e) equals or exceeds 55,000,000 gallons:
           (1) payments under this subdivision do not apply to the 
        amount produced in excess of 55,000,000 gallons; 
           (2) the commissioner shall make payments to producers in 
        the order in which the portion of production capacity covered by 
        each claim began production; and 
           (3) only those producers that receive payments for the 
        quarter, or received payments under paragraph (a) or (b) in an 
        earlier quarter, will be eligible for future ethanol or wet 
        alcohol production payments under this subdivision. 
           (g) If the total amount for which all producers are 
        eligible in a quarter under paragraph (c) exceeds the amount 
        available for payments, the commissioner shall make payments in 
        the order in which the plants covered by the claims began 
        generating electricity using closed-loop biomass. 
           (h) After the effective date of this section, new 
        production capacity is only eligible for payment under this 
        subdivision if the commissioner receives: 
           (1) an application for approval of the new production 
        capacity; 
           (2) an appropriate letter of long-term financial commitment 
        for construction of the new capacity; and 
           (3) copies of all necessary permits for construction of the 
        new capacity. 
           The commissioner may approve the additional capacity based 
        on the order in which the applications are received.  The 
        commissioner shall not approve production capacity in excess of 
        the limitations in paragraph (f).  Existing plants are not 
        eligible for new capacity beyond planned expansions reported to 
        the commissioner by February 1997. 
           Sec. 58.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.027, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 15.  [ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS.] (a) The commissioner 
        may receive an application for, sell, and issue any license, 
        stamp, permit, registration, or transfer under the jurisdiction 
        of the commissioner by electronic means, including by 
        telephone.  The commissioner may: 
           (1) provide for the electronic transfer of funds generated 
        by electronic transactions, including by telephone; 
           (2) assign a license identification number to an applicant 
        who purchases a hunting or fishing license by electronic means, 
        to serve as temporary authorization to engage in the licensed 
        activity until the license is received or expires; 
           (3) charge and permit agents to charge a fee of individuals 
        who make electronic transactions, and transactions by telephone, 
        including a transaction fee under section 97A.485, subdivision 
        6, and a credit card fee not to exceed $3.50 for electronic 
        transactions; 
           (4) select up to four volunteer counties, not more than two 
        in the metropolitan area, to participate in this pilot project 
        and the counties shall select the participating agents; and 
           (5) adopt rules to administer the provisions of this 
        subdivision. 
           (b) A county shall not collect a commission for the sale of 
        licenses or permits made by agents selected by the participating 
        counties under this subdivision. 
           Sec. 59.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.0273, is 
        amended to read: 
           84.0273 [CORRECTION ESTABLISHMENT OF BOUNDARY LINES 
        RELATING TO CERTAIN STATE LANDHOLDINGS.] 
           In order to correct errors in legal descriptions resolve 
        boundary line issues affecting the ownership interests of the 
        state and adjacent landowners, the commissioner of natural 
        resources may, in the name of the state upon terms the 
        commissioner deems appropriate, convey, without monetary 
        consideration, by a boundary line agreement, quitclaim deed, or 
        management agreement in such form as the attorney general 
        approves, such rights, titles, and interests of the state in 
        state lands for such rights, titles and interests in adjacent 
        lands as are necessary for the purpose of correcting legal 
        descriptions of establishing boundaries.  A notice of the 
        proposed conveyance and a brief statement of the reason therefor 
        shall be published once in the State Register by the 
        commissioner between 15 and 30 days prior to conveyance.  The 
        provisions of this section are not intended to replace or 
        supersede laws relating to land exchange or disposal of surplus 
        state property. 
           Sec. 60.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.0887, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [ADDITIONAL SERVICES; CORPS TO CAREER COMMUNITY 
        SERVICE.] (a) In addition to services under subdivision 1, youth 
        corps programs may coordinate with or provide services to: 
           (1) making public facilities accessible to individuals with 
        disabilities; 
           (2) federal, state, local, and regional governmental 
        agencies; 
           (3) nursing homes, hospices, senior centers, hospitals, 
        local libraries, parks, recreational facilities, child and adult 
        day care centers, programs servicing individuals with 
        disabilities, and schools; 
           (4) law enforcement agencies, and penal and probation 
        systems; 
           (5) private nonprofit organizations that primarily focus on 
        social service such as community action agencies; 
           (6) activities that focus on the rehabilitation or 
        improvement of public facilities, neighborhood improvements, 
        literacy training that benefits educationally disadvantaged 
        individuals, weatherization of and basic repairs to low-income 
        housing including housing occupied by older adults, activities 
        that focus on drug and alcohol abuse education, prevention, and 
        treatment; and 
           (7) any other nonpartisan civic activities and services 
        that the commissioner determines to be of a substantial social 
        benefit in meeting unmet human, educational, or environmental 
        needs, particularly needs related to poverty, or in the 
        community where volunteer service is to be performed. 
           (b) Youth and young adults may provide full-time or 
        part-time youth community service in a program known as "corps 
        to career" if the individual: 
           (1) is an unemployed high school dropout and is a parent of 
        a minor member of an assistance unit under the AFDC, MFIP or 
        MFIP-R programs under chapter 256 or under the MFIP-S program 
        under chapter 256J, or is a person who is a member of an 
        assistance unit under the AFDC, MFIP or MFIP-R programs under 
        chapter 256 or under the MFIP-S program under chapter 256J; 
           (2) agrees to only use the individual's postservice benefit 
        under the federal Americorps Act to complete a customized job 
        training program that requires 20 percent of the individual's 
        time to be spent in the corps to career program and that is 
        consistent with the work requirements of the employment and 
        training services component of the MFIP-S program under chapter 
        256J or, if a customized job training program is unavailable, 
        agrees to use the postservice benefit consistent with the 
        federal education award; and 
           (3) during the entire time the individual completes the 
        individual's job training program, resides within an enterprise 
        zone as defined in section 469.303. 
           To be eligible under this paragraph, any individual who 
        receives assistance under clause (1) after MFIP-S has been 
        implemented in the individual's county of financial 
        responsibility, and who meets the requirements in clauses (2) 
        and (3), also must meet the requirements of the employment and 
        training services component of the MFIP-S program under chapter 
        256J.  
           (c) The commissioner of natural resources shall ensure that 
        the corps to career program will not decrease employment 
        opportunities that would be available without the program; will 
        not displace current employees including any partial 
        displacement in the form of reduced hours of work other than 
        overtime, wages, employment benefits, or regular seasonal work; 
        will not impair existing labor agreements; and will not result 
        in the substitution of project funding for preexisting funds or 
        sources of funds for ongoing work. 
           Sec. 61.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.82, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [FEES FOR REGISTRATION.] (a) The fee for 
        registration of each snowmobile, other than those used for an 
        agricultural purpose, as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 
        1c, or those registered by a dealer or manufacturer pursuant to 
        clause (b) or (c) shall be as follows:  $30 $45 for three years 
        and $4 for a duplicate or transfer. 
           (b) The total registration fee for all snowmobiles owned by 
        a dealer and operated for demonstration or testing purposes 
        shall be $50 per year. 
           (c) The total registration fee for all snowmobiles owned by 
        a manufacturer and operated for research, testing, 
        experimentation, or demonstration purposes shall be $150 per 
        year.  Dealer and manufacturer registrations are not 
        transferable. 
           Sec. 62.  [84.8205] [SNOWMOBILE STATE TRAIL PERMIT.] 
           A snowmobile that is not registered in this state may not 
        be operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless 
        the snowmobile operator has in possession a snowmobile state 
        trail permit.  The commissioner of natural resources shall issue 
        a permit upon application and payment of a $15 fee.  The permit 
        is valid from November 1 through April 30.  Fees collected under 
        this section shall be deposited in the state treasury and 
        credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the 
        natural resources fund. 
           Sec. 63.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.86, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  With a view of achieving maximum use of 
        snowmobiles consistent with protection of the environment the 
        commissioner of natural resources shall adopt rules in the 
        manner provided by chapter 14, for the following purposes: 
           (1) Registration of snowmobiles and display of registration 
        numbers. 
           (2) Use of snowmobiles insofar as game and fish resources 
        are affected. 
           (3) Use of snowmobiles on public lands and waters, or on 
        grant-in-aid trails. 
           (4) Uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and 
        cities, which are necessary or desirable to control, direct, or 
        regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles. 
           (5) Specifications relating to snowmobile mufflers. 
           (6) A comprehensive snowmobile information and safety 
        education and training program, including but not limited to the 
        preparation and dissemination of snowmobile information and 
        safety advice to the public, the training of snowmobile 
        operators, and the issuance of snowmobile safety certificates to 
        snowmobile operators who successfully complete the snowmobile 
        safety education and training course.  For the purpose of 
        administering such program and to defray a portion of the 
        expenses of training and certifying snowmobile operators, the 
        commissioner shall collect a fee of not to exceed $5 from each 
        person who receives the youth and young adult training and a fee 
        established under chapter 16A from each person who receives the 
        adult training.  The commissioner shall deposit the fee in the 
        snowmobile trails and enforcement account and the amount thereof 
        is appropriated annually to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for the administration of such programs.  The 
        commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and 
        associations, private and public corporations, and local 
        governmental units in furtherance of the program established 
        under this clause.  The commissioner shall consult with the 
        commissioner of public safety in regard to training program 
        subject matter and performance testing that leads to the 
        certification of snowmobile operators. 
           (7) The operator of any snowmobile involved in an accident 
        resulting in injury requiring medical attention or 
        hospitalization to or death of any person or total damage to an 
        extent of $500 or more, shall forward a written report of the 
        accident to the commissioner on such form as the commissioner 
        shall prescribe.  If the operator is killed or is unable to file 
        a report due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating 
        the accident shall file the accident report within ten business 
        days. 
           Sec. 64.  [84.862] [SNOWMOBILE TRAINING REQUIRED.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT SAFETY 
        TRAINING.] Effective October 1, 1998, any resident born after 
        December 31, 1979, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must 
        possess a valid snowmobile safety certificate or a driver's 
        license or identification card with a valid snowmobile 
        qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 
        12.  The certificate or qualification indicator may only be 
        issued upon successful completion of the course authorized under 
        section 84.86. 
           Subd. 2.  [ADULT SAFETY TRAINING.] Effective October 1, 
        2002, any resident born after December 31, 1976, and before 
        December 31, 1983, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must 
        possess a valid operators permit or drivers license or 
        identification card with a valid snowmobile qualification 
        indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 12, showing 
        successful completion of a safety course designed for adults.  
        Whenever possible, the course shall include a riding component 
        that stresses stopping distances. 
           Subd. 3.  [TRAINING FOR OFFENDERS.] Any person who is 
        convicted for a second or subsequent speeding violation in a 
        snowmobile season, or any conviction for careless or reckless 
        operation of a snowmobile, must successfully complete the 
        training course in subdivision 1 or 2 before continuing 
        operation of a snowmobile. 
           Sec. 65.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 85.015, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 1c.  [METAL TRACTION DEVICES; PROHIBITION ON PAVED 
        TRAILS.] A person may not use a snowmobile with metal traction 
        devices on any paved state trail. 
           Sec. 66.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 85.015, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 20.  [STAGECOACH TRAIL; STEELE, DODGE, AND OLMSTED 
        COUNTIES.] The trail shall originate at the Douglas trail near 
        the city of Rochester in Olmsted county and extend westerly 
        along the Zumbro river valley to the city of Mantorville and the 
        village of Wasioja in Dodge county, following as closely as 
        possible the historic stagecoach trail to Wasioja, through Rice 
        Lake state park to the city of Owatonna in Steele county. 
           Sec. 67.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 85.055, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 1a.  [PATRON PERMIT.] The commissioner may develop a 
        special patron permit requiring persons to pay an additional 
        amount above the annual permit fee required in subdivision 1.  
        The additional amount paid under this subdivision shall be 
        deposited in the state treasury and credited to the working 
        capital account under section 85.22, subdivision 1. 
           Sec. 68.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 85A.04, 
        subdivision 4, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 4.  [ZOO CONCESSION AND REVENUE ACCOUNT.] All 
        receipts and interest from the operation of zoo concessions, 
        memberships, and donations must be deposited in a special 
        account in the special revenue fund and are appropriated to the 
        board.  
           Sec. 69.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 86A.23, is 
        amended to read: 
           86A.23 [OPEN FACILITIES; LIABILITY EXEMPTION.] 
           Facilities in harbors and connecting waterways established 
        under sections 86A.20 to 86A.24 shall be public and open to all 
        users on equal and reasonable terms.  Users shall have no cause 
        of action against owners of land adjacent to small craft harbors 
        and mooring facilities for damage as a result of noise and dust 
        generated by facilities of iron-producing industries. 
           Sec. 70.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 88.79, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [COST-SHARING OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES.] The 
        commissioner of natural resources may provide cost-sharing of 
        conservation practices to nonindustrial owners of less than 
        5,000 acres of private land within this state, provided that the 
        landowners successfully complete conservation practices approved 
        by the commissioner.  The cost shared by the commissioner may 
        not exceed 75 percent of the actual cost of the conservation 
        practice. 
           Sec. 71.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 92.06, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [TERMS.] (a) The terms of payment on the 
        sale of state public lands must be as follows:  The purchaser 
        shall pay in cash at the time of sale the appraised value of all 
        timber and costs determined by the commissioner to be associated 
        with the sale including survey, appraisal, publication, deed 
        tax, filing fee, and similar costs.  At least 15 percent of the 
        purchase price of the land exclusive of timber and associated 
        costs must be paid in cash at the time of sale.  The balance of 
        the purchase price must be paid in no more than 20 equal annual 
        installments.  Payments must be made by June 1 each year 
        following the year in which the purchase was made, with interest 
        at the rate in effect at the time of sale, calculated under this 
        subdivision, on the unpaid balances.  Any installment of 
        principal or interest may be paid in advance, but part payment 
        of an installment will not be accepted.  For the purpose of 
        computing interest, any installment of principal not paid on 
        June 1 shall be credited on the following June 1.  The purchaser 
        may pay the balance due on a sale within 30 days of the sale 
        with no interest due. 
           (b) Interest on unpaid balances must be computed as annual 
        simple interest.  The rate of interest must be based on average 
        effective interest rates on mortgage loans as provided in 
        paragraph (c). 
           (c) On or before December 31 of each year, the commissioner 
        of natural resources shall determine the rate from the average 
        effective interest rate on loans closed using the office of 
        thrift supervision series, formerly the federal home loan bank 
        board series, or its successor agency, for the most recent 
        calendar month, reported on a monthly basis in the latest 
        statistical release of the board of governors of the federal 
        reserve system.  This yield, rounded to the nearest quarter of 
        one percent, is the annual interest rate for sales of state land 
        during the succeeding calendar year. 
           (d) For state land sales in calendar year 1993 after July 
        1, 1993, the rate is eight percent, which is the September 1992 
        average from the office of thrift supervision series, rounded to 
        the nearest quarter of one percent. 
           Sec. 72.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 92.06, 
        subdivision 4, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 4.  [IMPROVEMENTS, WHEN PAYMENT NOT NECESSARY.] If a 
        person has made improvements to the land and if:  (1) the 
        commissioner believes that person settled the land in good faith 
        as homestead land under the laws of the United States before it 
        was certified to the state, or if (2) the improvements were 
        lawfully made by that person as a lessee of the state, or (3) 
        the commissioner determines, based on clear and convincing 
        evidence provided by the person, that the improvements were made 
        by the person as an inadvertent trespasser, then the value of 
        the improvements must be separately appraised and, if the 
        settler or, lessee, or inadvertent trespasser purchases the 
        land, the settler or, lessee, or inadvertent trespasser is not 
        required to pay for the improvements.  If another person 
        purchases the land, that person must pay the owner of the 
        improvements, in addition to all other required payments, the 
        appraised amount for the improvements.  Payment for improvements 
        must be made within 15 days of the auction sale, either in cash 
        or upon terms and conditions agreeable to the owner of the 
        improvements.  If payment for improvements is not made in cash, 
        and if there is no agreement between the parties within 15 days 
        of the auction sale, the commissioner may: 
           (1) sell the property to the second highest qualified 
        bidder if that bidder submitted to the commissioner's 
        representative, at the auction sale, a written request to buy 
        the property at a specified price; or 
           (2) void the sale and reoffer the property at a subsequent 
        sale. 
           This subdivision does not apply unless the owner of the 
        improvements makes a verified application to the commissioner 
        showing entitlement to the improvements before the first state 
        public sale at which the land is offered for sale.  The 
        applicant must appear at the sale and offer to purchase the land 
        for at least its appraised value including all timber on it, and 
        make the purchase if no higher bid is received.  Actions or 
        other proceedings involving the land in question begun before 
        the sale must have been completed. 
           Sec. 73.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 92.16, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [CONTENTS; DEFAULT, RESALE.] At the time of 
        the sale the commissioner shall execute, acknowledge, and 
        deliver to the purchaser a certificate of sale, numbered and 
        made assignable, certifying the description of the land sold, 
        its quantity, the price per acre, the consideration paid and to 
        be paid, and the time and terms of payment.  A certificate must 
        not be delivered until the sum required by law to be paid at the 
        time of the sale is paid.  The sum includes costs determined by 
        the commissioner to be associated with the sale such as survey, 
        appraisal, publication, deed tax, filing fee, and similar 
        costs.  If the purchaser fails to pay the sum, the commissioner 
        may immediately reoffer the land for sale, but a bid may not be 
        accepted from the person failing to pay the original offer.  If 
        the purchaser pays in full at the time of sale, the commissioner 
        is not required to issue a certificate of sale. 
           Sec. 74.  [92.72] [PAYMENT OF TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE OF SALE.] If 
        the state acquires an interest in real property prior to the 
        cancellation of a certificate of sale or upon completion of the 
        cancellation process by advertisement or court order, the state 
        must make provision to pay all taxes, interests, costs, 
        penalties, and assessments.  The commissioner of natural 
        resources must request the certificate of sale vendee to make a 
        good faith attempt to pay the debt.  If the commissioner 
        determines that the vendee is unwilling or unable to pay the 
        debt, the commissioner may pay the debt and seek redress against 
        the vendee. 
           Subd. 2.  [VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY REVERSIONS.] (a) If a 
        grantee on a certificate of sale or state deed desires the state 
        to exercise its reversionary interest in real property, the 
        grantee must pay all real estate taxes, costs, interest, 
        penalties, and assessments on the property prior to reversion. 
           (b) If a grantee on a certificate of sale or state deed 
        breaches the contractual terms of the certificate or deed, the 
        commissioner of natural resources must request the grantee to 
        make a good faith attempt to pay all real estate taxes, costs, 
        interest, penalties, and assessments on the property prior to 
        reversion.  If the commissioner determines that the grantee is 
        unwilling or unable to pay the debt, the commissioner may pay 
        the debt and seek redress against the grantee. 
           Sec. 75.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 94.10, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  (a) Lands certified as surplus by the head of a 
        department or agency other than the department of natural 
        resources shall be offered for public sale by the commissioner 
        of administration as provided in this paragraph.  After 
        complying with subdivision 1 and before any public sale of 
        surplus state-owned land is made, the commissioner of 
        administration shall publish a notice thereof at least once in 
        each week for four successive weeks in a legal newspaper and 
        also in a newspaper of general distribution in the city or 
        county in which the real property to be sold is situated, which 
        notice shall specify the time and place at which the sale will 
        commence, a general description of the lots or tracts to be 
        offered, and a general statement of the terms of sale.  Each 
        tract or lot shall be sold separately and shall be sold for not 
        less than the appraised value thereof.  Parcels remaining unsold 
        after the offering may be sold to anyone agreeing to pay the 
        appraised value thereof.  The sale shall continue until all 
        parcels are sold or until the commissioner orders a reappraisal 
        or withdraws the remaining parcels from sale.  
           (b) Lands certified as surplus by the commissioner of 
        natural resources shall be offered for public sale by the 
        commissioner of natural resources in the manner provided in 
        paragraph (a) for sales by the commissioner of administration. 
           (c) Except as provided in section 94.11, the cost of any 
        survey or appraisal as provided in subdivision 1 shall be added 
        to and made a part of the appraised value of the lands to be 
        sold, whether to any political subdivision of the state or to a 
        private purchaser as provided in this subdivision.  
           Sec. 76.  [94.55] [TRANSFER OF STATE-OWNED IMPROVEMENTS.] 
           The commissioner may sell or transfer an improvement 
        located on state-owned lands, the compensation for which shall 
        be determined by the commissioner.  The sale or transfer shall 
        be accomplished by a bill of sale, describing the improvement 
        transferred and the terms and conditions of the sale or transfer.
        Proceeds resulting from the sale or transfer must be deposited 
        in the state treasury and credited to the land acquisition 
        account established in section 94.165. 
           Sec. 77.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.015, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 27a.  [LICENSE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.] "License 
        identification number" means a verification number issued under 
        the authority of the commissioner in conjunction with the 
        electronic purchase of a license or stamp and valid until the 
        license is received by the purchaser. 
           Sec. 78.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.028, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITIONS.] (a) The definitions in this 
        subdivision apply to this section. 
           (b) "Agricultural crops" means annually seeded crops, 
        legumes, fruit orchards, tree farms and nurseries, turf farms, 
        and apiaries. 
           (c) "Parcel" has the meaning given in section 272.03, 
        subdivision 6. 
           (d) "Specialty crops" means fruit orchards, vegetables, 
        tree farms and nurseries, turf farms, and apiaries. 
           (e) "Stored forage crops" means hay, silage, grain, or 
        other crops that have been harvested and placed in storage for 
        commercial livestock feeding. 
           Sec. 79.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.028, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [EMERGENCY DETERRENT MATERIALS ASSISTANCE.] (a) 
        For the purposes of this subdivision, "cooperative damage 
        management agreement" means an agreement between a landowner or 
        tenant and the commissioner that establishes a program for 
        addressing the problem of destruction of the landowner's or 
        tenant's specialty crops or stored forage crops by wild animals, 
        or destruction of agricultural crops by flightless Canada geese. 
           (b) A landowner or tenant may apply to the commissioner for 
        emergency deterrent materials assistance in controlling 
        destruction of the landowner's or tenant's specialty crops or 
        stored forage crops by wild animals, or destruction of 
        agricultural crops by flightless Canada geese.  Subject to the 
        availability of money appropriated for this purpose, the 
        commissioner shall provide suitable deterrent materials when the 
        commissioner determines that: 
           (1) immediate action is necessary to prevent significant 
        damage from continuing; and 
           (2) a cooperative damage management agreement cannot be 
        implemented immediately. 
           (c) A person may receive emergency deterrent materials 
        assistance under this subdivision more than once, but the 
        cumulative total value of deterrent materials provided to a 
        person, or for use on a parcel, may not exceed $3,000 for 
        specialty crops, or $750 for stored forage crops, or $500 for 
        agricultural crops damaged by flightless Canada geese.  If a 
        person is a coowner or cotenant with respect to the specialty 
        crops for which the deterrent materials are provided, the 
        deterrent materials are deemed to be "provided" to the person 
        for the purposes of this paragraph. 
           (d) As a condition of receiving emergency deterrent 
        materials assistance under this subdivision, a landowner or 
        tenant shall enter into a cooperative damage management 
        agreement with the commissioner.  Deterrent materials provided 
        by the commissioner may include repellents, fencing materials, 
        or other materials recommended in the agreement to alleviate the 
        damage problem.  If requested by a landowner or tenant, any 
        fencing materials provided must be capable of providing 
        long-term protection of specialty crops.  A landowner or tenant 
        who receives emergency deterrent materials assistance under this 
        subdivision shall comply with the terms of the cooperative 
        damage management agreement. 
           Sec. 80.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.075, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEER AND BEAR LICENSES.] (a) For purposes 
        of this subdivision, "deer license" means a license issued under 
        section 97A.475, subdivisions 2, clauses (4) and, (5), and (9), 
        and 3, clauses (2) and, (3), and (7), and licenses issued under 
        section 97B.301, subdivision 4.  
           (b) At least $2 from each deer license shall be used for 
        deer habitat improvement or deer management programs.  
           (c) At least $1 from each resident deer license and each 
        resident bear license shall be used for deer and bear management 
        programs, including a computerized licensing system.  Fifty 
        cents from each resident deer license is appropriated for 
        emergency deer feeding.  Money appropriated for emergency deer 
        feeding is available until expended.  When the unencumbered 
        balance in the appropriation for emergency deer feeding at the 
        end of a fiscal year exceeds $750,000, $750,000 is canceled to 
        the unappropriated balance of the game and fish fund and the 
        amount appropriated for emergency deer feeding is reduced to 25 
        cents from each resident deer license. 
           Sec. 81.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.405, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [PERSONAL POSSESSION.] (a) A person to whom a 
        license is issued must have the license in personal possession 
        while acting under the a license and while or traveling from 
        the an area where the a licensed activity is was performed 
        must have in personal possession either:  (1) the proper 
        license, if the license has been issued to and received by the 
        person; or (2) the proper license identification number or stamp 
        validation, if the license has been sold to the person by 
        electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and 
        received. 
           (b) If possession of a license or a license identification 
        number is required, a person must exhibit the proper license 
        when, as requested by a conservation officer or peace officer., 
        either:  (1) the proper license if the license has been issued 
        to and received by the person; or (2) the proper license 
        identification number or stamp validation and a valid state 
        driver's license, state identification card, or other form of 
        identification provided by the commissioner, if the license has 
        been sold to the person by electronic means but the actual 
        license has not been issued and received.  
           (c) If the actual license has been issued and received, a 
        receipt for license fees, a copy of a license, or evidence 
        showing the issuance of a license, including the license 
        identification number or stamp validation, does not entitle a 
        licensee to exercise the rights or privileges conferred by a 
        license.  
           (d) A license or stamp issued electronically and not 
        immediately provided to the licensee shall be mailed to the 
        licensee within 30 days of purchase. 
           Sec. 82.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.415, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [TRANSFER PROHIBITED.] A person may not lend, 
        transfer, borrow, or solicit a license or permit, license 
        identification number, application for a license or permit, 
        coupon, tag, or seal, or use a license, permit, license 
        identification number, coupon, tag, or seal not issued to the 
        person unless otherwise expressly authorized.  
           Sec. 83.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.475, is 
        amended to read: 
           97A.475 [LICENSE FEES.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE.] A license 
        shall be issued when the requirements of the law are met and the 
        license fee specified in this section is paid.  
           Subd. 2.  [RESIDENT HUNTING.] Fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to residents only, are: 
           (1) for persons under age 65 to take small game, $10; 
           (2) for persons age 65 or over, $5; 
           (3) to take turkey, $16; 
           (4) to take deer with firearms, $22; 
           (5) to take deer by archery, $22; 
           (6) to take moose, for a party of not more than six 
        persons, $275; 
           (7) to take bear, $33; 
           (8) to take elk, for a party of not more than two persons, 
        $220; and 
           (9) to take antlered deer in more than one zone, $44. 
           Subd. 3.  [NONRESIDENT HUNTING.] Fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are: 
           (1) to take small game, $56; 
           (2) to take deer with firearms, $110; 
           (3) to take deer by archery, $110; 
           (4) to take bear, $165; 
           (5) to take turkey, $56; 
           (6) to take raccoon, bobcat, fox, coyote, or lynx, $137.50; 
        and 
           (7) to take antlered deer in more than one zone, $220. 
           Subd. 4.  [SMALL GAME SURCHARGE.] Fees for licenses to take 
        small game must be increased by a surcharge of $4.  An 
        additional commission may not be assessed on the surcharge and 
        this must be stated on the back of the license with the 
        following statement:  "This $4 surcharge is being paid by 
        hunters for the acquisition and development of wildlife lands."  
           Subd. 5.  [HUNTING STAMPS.] Fees for the following stamps 
        are: 
           (1) migratory waterfowl stamp, $5; 
           (2) pheasant stamp, $5; and 
           (3) turkey stamp, $5.  
           Subd. 6.  [RESIDENT FISHING.] Fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to residents only, are: 
           (1) to take fish by angling, for persons under age 
        65, $13 $15; 
           (2) to take fish by angling, for persons age 65 and over, 
        $4.50 $5.50; 
           (3) to take fish by angling, for a combined license for a 
        married couple, $17.50 $20.50; 
           (4) to take fish by spearing from a dark house, $13 $15; 
        and 
           (5) to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected 
        by the licensee, $7.50 $8. 
           Subd. 7.  [NONRESIDENT FISHING.] Fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are: 
           (1) to take fish by angling, $27.50 $31; 
           (2) to take fish by angling limited to seven consecutive 
        days selected by the licensee, $19 $21.50; 
           (3) to take fish by angling for a 72-hour period selected 
        by the licensee, $16 $18; 
           (4) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a 
        family, $37.50 $41.50; 
           (5) to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected 
        by the licensee, $7.50 $8; and 
           (6) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a 
        married couple, limited to 14 consecutive days selected by one 
        of the licensees, $27.50 $32. 
           Subd. 8.  [MINNESOTA SPORTING.] The commissioner shall 
        issue Minnesota sporting licenses to residents only.  The 
        licensee may take fish by angling and small game.  The fee for 
        the license is:  
           (1) for an individual, $17.50 $20; and 
           (2) for a combined license for a married couple to take 
        fish and for one spouse to take small game, $24 $27.50.  
           Subd. 10.  [TROUT AND SALMON STAMP.] The fee for a trout 
        and salmon stamp is $5 $8.50.  
           Subd. 11.  [FISH HOUSES AND DARK HOUSES; RESIDENTS.] Fees 
        for the following licenses are: 
           (1) for a fish house or dark house that is not 
        rented, $9 $10; and 
           (2) for a fish house or dark house that is rented, $20 $23. 
           Subd. 12.  [FISH HOUSES; NONRESIDENT.] Fees for fish house 
        licenses for a nonresident are:  
           (1) annual, $27.50 $31.50; and 
           (2) seven consecutive days, $16.50 $18.50. 
           Subd. 13.  [NETTING WHITEFISH AND CISCOES FOR PERSONAL 
        CONSUMPTION.] The fee for a license to net whitefish and ciscoes 
        in inland lakes and international waters for personal 
        consumption is, for each net, $8 $9. 
           Subd. 14.  [ROUGH FISH; MINNESOTA AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS.] 
        The fee for a license to take rough fish for domestic use with a 
        set line in the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers is $14.50. 
           Subd. 15.  [LAKE SUPERIOR FISHING GUIDES.] The fee for a 
        license to operate a charter boat and guide anglers on Lake 
        Superior is: 
           (1) for a resident, $27.50 $35; 
           (2) for a nonresident, $110 $140; or 
           (3) if another state charges a Minnesota resident a fee 
        greater than $100 $140 for a Lake Superior fishing guide license 
        in that state, the nonresident fee for a resident of that state 
        is that greater fee.  
           Subd. 16.  [RESIDENT HUNTING GUIDES.] The fees for the 
        following resident guide licenses are: 
           (1) to guide bear hunters, $82.50; and 
           (2) to guide turkey hunters, $22.  
           Subd. 18.  [SHOOTING PRESERVES.] The fee for a shooting 
        preserve license is:  
           (1) for a private shooting preserve, $100; and 
           (2) for a commercial shooting preserve, $500. 
           Subd. 19.  [TAXIDERMISTS.] The fee for a taxidermist 
        license, to be issued for a three-year period to residents only, 
        is: 
           (1) for persons age 18 and older, $44; and 
           (2) for persons under age 18, $27.50.  
           Subd. 20.  [TRAPPING LICENSE.] The fee for a license to 
        trap fur-bearing animals is: 
           (1) for persons over age 13 and under age 18, $5.50; and 
           (2) for persons age 18 and older, $18.  
           Subd. 21.  [FUR BUYING AND SELLING; RESIDENTS.] (a) The fee 
        for a license for a resident to buy and sell raw furs is $110.  
           (b) The fee for a supplemental license to buy and sell furs 
        is $55. 
           Subd. 22.  [FUR BUYING AND SELLING; NONRESIDENTS.] The fee 
        for a license for a nonresident to buy and sell raw furs is $500.
           Subd. 23.  [RAW FUR TANNING.] The fee for a license to tan 
        and dress raw furs to be issued to residents and nonresidents is 
        $16.50.  
           Subd. 24.  [GAME AND FUR FARMS.] The fee for a game and fur 
        farm license is $16.50. 
           Subd. 25.  [MUSKRAT FARMS.] The fee for a muskrat farm 
        license is $11. 
           Subd. 26.  [MINNOW DEALERS.] The fees for the following 
        licenses are:  
           (1) minnow dealer, $77 $100; 
           (2) minnow dealer's helper, $5.50; 
           (3) minnow dealer's vehicle, $11 $15; 
           (4) (3) exporting minnow dealer, $275 $350; and 
           (5) (4) exporting minnow dealer's vehicle, $11 $15.  
           Subd. 27.  [MINNOW RETAILERS.] The fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to residents and nonresidents, are: 
           (1) minnow retailer, $11 $15; and 
           (2) minnow retailer's vehicle, $11 $15.  
           Subd. 28.  [NONRESIDENT MINNOW HAULERS.] The fees for the 
        following licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are: 
           (1) exporting minnow hauler, $525 $675; and 
           (2) exporting minnow hauler's vehicle, $11 $15.  
           Subd. 29.  [PRIVATE FISH HATCHERIES.] The fees for the 
        following licenses to be issued to residents and nonresidents 
        are:  
           (1) for a private fish hatchery, with annual sales under 
        $200, $27.50 $35; 
           (2) for a private fish hatchery, with annual sales of $200 
        or more, $55 $70; and 
           (3) to take sucker eggs from public waters for a private 
        fish hatchery, $165 $210, plus $3 $4 for each quart in excess of 
        100 quarts.  
           Subd. 30.  [COMMERCIAL NETTING OF FISH IN INLAND WATERS.] 
        The fee for a license fees to net take commercial fish in 
        inland waters, to be issued to residents and nonresidents, is 
        $70 plus are: 
           (1) commercial license fees: 
           (i) for each hoop net pocket, $1 residents and nonresidents 
        seining and netting in inland waters, $90; 
           (2) (ii) for each 1,000 feet of seine, $16.50 residents 
        netting in Lake Superior, $50; and 
           (3) (iii) for each apprentice license, $25. residents 
        netting in Lake of the Woods, Rainy, Namakan, and Sand Point 
        lakes, $50; 
           (iv) for residents seining in the Mississippi River from St.
        Anthony Falls to the St. Croix River junction, $50; 
           (v) for residents seining, netting, and set lining in 
        Wisconsin boundary waters from Lake St. Croix to the Iowa 
        border, $50; and 
           (vi) for a resident apprentice license, $25; and 
           (2) commercial gear fees: 
           (i) for each gill net in Lake Superior, Wisconsin boundary 
        waters, and Namakan Lake, $3.50 per 100 feet of net; 
           (ii) for each seine in inland waters, on the Mississippi 
        River as described in section 97C.801, subdivision 2, and in 
        Wisconsin boundary waters, $7 per 100 feet; 
           (iii) for each commercial hoop net in inland waters, $1.25; 
           (iv) for each submerged fyke, trap, and hoop net in Lake 
        Superior, St. Louis Estuary, Lake of the Woods, and Rainy, 
        Namakan, and Sand Point lakes, and for each pound net in Lake 
        Superior, $15; 
           (v) for each stake and pound net in Lake of the Woods, $60; 
           (vi) for each set line in the Wisconsin boundary waters, 
        $20; and 
           (vii) for each trawl used in Lake Superior, $50.  
           Subd. 31.  [COMMERCIAL NETTING OF FISH IN LAKE OF THE 
        WOODS.] The fee for a license to commercially net fish in Lake 
        of the Woods is: 
           (1) for each pound net or staked trap net, $49.50; 
           (2) for each fyke net, $11, plus $5 for each two-foot 
        segment, or fraction, of the wings or lead in excess of four 
        feet in height; 
           (3) for each 100 feet of gill net, $2.75; 
           (4) for each submerged trap net, $16.50; and 
           (5) for each apprentice license, $25.  
           Subd. 32.  [COMMERCIAL NETTING OF FISH IN RAINY LAKE.] The 
        fee for a license to commercially net fish in Rainy Lake is: 
           (1) for each pound net, $49.50; 
           (2) for each 100 feet of gill net, $2.75; and 
           (3) for each apprentice license, $25.  
           Subd. 33.  [COMMERCIAL NETTING OF FISH IN NAMAKAN AND SAND 
        POINT LAKES.] The fee for a license to commercially net fish in 
        Namakan Lake and Sand Point Lake is: 
           (1) for each 100 feet of gill net, $1.75; 
           (2) for each pound, fyke, and submerged trap net, $16.50; 
        and 
           (3) for each apprentice license, $25.  
           Subd. 34.  [COMMERCIAL SEINE AND SET LINES TO TAKE FISH IN 
        THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.] (a) The fee for a license to 
        commercially seine rough fish in the Mississippi river from St. 
        Anthony Falls to the St. Croix river junction is: 
           (1) for a seine not exceeding 500 feet, $27.50; or 
           (2) for a seine over 500 feet, $44, plus $2 for each 100 
        foot segment or fraction over 1,000 feet.  
           (b) The fee for each apprentice license issued under 
        paragraph (a) is $25.  
           Subd. 35.  [COMMERCIAL SEINING OF FISH IN WISCONSIN 
        BOUNDARY WATERS.] The fee for a license to commercially seine 
        fish in the boundary waters between Wisconsin and Minnesota from 
        Taylors Falls to the Iowa border is: 
           (1) for a seine not exceeding 500 feet, $27.50; or 
           (2) for a seine over 500 feet, $44, plus $2.50 for each 100 
        feet over 1,000 feet; and 
           (3) for each apprentice license to be issued to residents, 
        $25.  
           Subd. 36.  [COMMERCIAL NETTING IN WISCONSIN BOUNDARY 
        WATERS.] The fee for a license to commercially net in the 
        boundary waters between Wisconsin and Minnesota from Lake St. 
        Croix to the Iowa border is: 
           (1) for each gill net not exceeding 500 feet, $14.50; 
           (2) for each gill net over 500 feet, $27.50; 
           (3) for each fyke net and hoop net, $11; 
           (4) for each bait net, $1.75; 
           (5) for each turtle net, $1.75; 
           (6) for each set line identification tag, $14.50; and 
           (7) for each apprentice license to be issued to residents, 
        $25.  
           Subd. 37.  [COMMERCIAL NETTING OF FISH IN LAKE SUPERIOR.] 
        The fee for a license to commercially net fish in Lake Superior 
        is: 
           (1) for each gill net, $77 plus $2 for each 1,000 feet over 
        1,000 feet; 
           (2) for a pound or trap net, $77 plus $2 for each 
        additional pound or trap net; and 
           (3) for each apprentice license, $25.  
           Subd. 38.  [FISH BUYERS.] The fees for licenses to buy fish 
        from commercial fishing licensees to be issued residents and 
        nonresidents are: 
           (1) for Lake Superior fish bought for sale to retailers, 
        $55 $70; 
           (2) for Lake Superior fish bought for sale to consumers, 
        $11 $15; 
           (3) for Lake of the Woods, Namakan, Sand Point, and Rainy 
        Lake fish bought for sale to retailers, $110 $140; and 
           (4) for Lake of the Woods, Namakan, Sand Point, and Rainy 
        Lake fish bought for shipment only on international boundary 
        waters, $11 $15.  
           Subd. 39.  [FISH PACKER.] The fee for a license to prepare 
        dressed game fish for transportation or shipment is $14.50 $20. 
           Subd. 40.  [FISH VENDORS.] The fee for a license to use a 
        motor vehicle to sell fish is $27.50 $35.  
           Subd. 41.  [TURTLE SELLERS.] The fee for a license to take, 
        transport, purchase, and possess turtles for sale is $55 $70.  
           Subd. 42.  [FROG DEALERS.] The fee for the licenses to deal 
        in frogs that are to be used for purposes other than bait are: 
           (1) for a resident to purchase, possess, and transport 
        frogs, $77 $100; 
           (2) for a nonresident to purchase, possess, and transport 
        frogs, $220 $280; and 
           (3) for a resident to take, possess, transport, and sell 
        frogs, $11 $15. 
           Subd. 43.  [DUPLICATE LICENSES.] The fees for duplicate 
        licenses are: 
           (1) for licenses to take big game, $5; and 
           (2) for other licenses, $2. 
           Sec. 84.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.667, is 
        amended to read: 
           97B.667 [REMOVAL OF BEAVER DAMS AND LODGES BY ROAD 
        AUTHORITIES.] 
           When a drainage watercourse is impaired by a beaver dam and 
        the water damages or threatens to damage a public road, the road 
        authority, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 9, may 
        remove the impairment and any associated beaver lodge within 300 
        feet of the road, if the commissioner approves. 
           Sec. 85.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.715, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [STAMP REQUIRED.] (a) Except as provided in 
        paragraph (b) or section 97A.405, subdivision 2, a person 
        required to possess a small game license may not hunt pheasants 
        without:  
           (1) a pheasant stamp in possession; and 
           (2) a pheasant stamp validation on the small game license 
        when issued electronically.  
           (b) The following persons are exempt from this subdivision: 
           (1) residents under age 18 or over age 65; and 
           (2) persons hunting on licensed private commercial shooting 
        preserves. 
           Sec. 86.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.721, is 
        amended to read: 
           97B.721 [LICENSE AND STAMP REQUIRED TO TAKE TURKEY; TAGGING 
        AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.] 
           (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) or section 97A.405, 
        subdivision 2, a person may not take a turkey without a turkey 
        license and: 
           (1) a turkey stamp in possession; and 
           (2) a turkey stamp validation on the turkey license when 
        issued electronically. 
           (b) The requirement in paragraph (a) to possess a turkey 
        stamp or a license validation does not apply to persons under 
        age 18. 
           (c) The commissioner may by rule prescribe requirements for 
        the tagging and registration of turkeys. 
           Sec. 87.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.801, is 
        amended to read: 
           97B.801 [MINNESOTA MIGRATORY WATERFOWL STAMP REQUIRED.] 
           (a) Except as provided in this section or section 97A.405, 
        subdivision 2, a person required to possess a small game license 
        may not take migratory waterfowl without: 
           (1) a Minnesota migratory waterfowl stamp in possession; 
        and 
           (2) a migratory waterfowl stamp validation on the small 
        game license when issued electronically.  
           (b) Residents under age 18 or over age 65 and persons 
        hunting on their own property are not required to possess the a 
        stamp or a license validation under this section.  
           Sec. 88.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.305, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [REQUIREMENT.] Except as provided in 
        subdivision 2 or section 97A.405, subdivision 2, a person over 
        age 16 and under age 65 required to possess an angling license 
        must have a trout and salmon stamp in possession and a trout 
        stamp validation on the angling license when issued 
        electronically to: 
           (1) take fish by angling in: 
           (i) a stream designated by the commissioner as a trout 
        stream; 
           (ii) a lake designated by the commissioner as a trout lake; 
        or 
           (iii) Lake Superior; or 
           (2) possess trout or salmon taken in the state by angling. 
           Sec. 89.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.501, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [MINNOW DEALERS.] (a) A person may not be a 
        minnow dealer without a minnow dealer license except as provided 
        in subdivision 3. 
           (b) A minnow dealer must obtain a minnow dealer's helper 
        license for each person employed to take, buy, sell, or 
        transport minnows by the minnow dealer.  The minnow dealer may 
        transfer a helper's license from a former helper to a new helper.
           (c) A minnow dealer must obtain a minnow dealer's vehicle 
        license for each motor vehicle used to transport minnows.  The 
        serial number, motor vehicle license number, make, and model 
        must be on the license.  The license must be conspicuously 
        displayed in the vehicle.  
           (d) (c) A minnow dealer may not transport minnows out of 
        the state without an exporting minnow dealer license.  A minnow 
        dealer must obtain an exporting minnow dealer's vehicle license 
        for each motor vehicle used to transport minnows out of the 
        state.  The serial number, motor vehicle license number, make, 
        and model must be on the license.  The license must be 
        conspicuously displayed in the vehicle.  
           Sec. 90.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.801, is 
        amended to read: 
           97C.801 [TAKING ROUGH FISH ON MISSISSIPPI AND MINNESOTA 
        RIVERS RIVER.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [ROUGH FISH ON MINNESOTA AND MISSISSIPPI 
        RIVERS.] (a) A license is required to take rough fish by set 
        line in the Minnesota river from Mankato to its junction with 
        the Mississippi river, and in the Mississippi river from St. 
        Anthony Falls to the St. Croix junction.  
           (b) A person may use only one set line to take rough fish 
        in the Minnesota river from Mankato to its junction with the 
        Mississippi river, and in the Mississippi river from St. Anthony 
        Falls to the St. Croix river junction, and the set line must: 
           (1) have not more than ten hooks; 
           (2) be set only in the flowing waters of the river; 
           (3) staked only at one end; and 
           (4) remain at the location designated in the application 
        for license unless approval of the commissioner has been given 
        to change the location.  
           (c) Notwithstanding section 97C.391, subdivision 1, rough 
        fish taken under this subdivision may not be bought or sold.  
           Subd. 2.  [COMMERCIAL FISH NETTING AND SET LINES ON 
        MISSISSIPPI RIVER.] (a) A license is required to commercially 
        take rough fish with seines and set lines in the Mississippi 
        river from the St. Croix river junction to St. Anthony Falls.  
           (b) A person may take rough fish in the Mississippi river, 
        from the St. Croix river junction to St. Anthony Falls, only 
        with the following equipment and methods: 
           (1) operations shall be conducted only in the flowing 
        waters of the river and in tributary backwaters prescribed by 
        the commissioner; 
           (2) only one set line may be used that has an 
        identification tag and not more than 100 hooks; 
           (3) seines may be used only as prescribed by the 
        commissioner; 
           (4) (3) seines must be hauled to a landing immediately 
        after being placed; 
           (5) (4) two seines may not be joined together in the water; 
           (6) (5) a net may not be raised, laid out, or landed, 
        between sunset and sunrise; and 
           (7) (6) the location of a net or seine may not be changed 
        from the place specified in the license application without 
        notifying the commissioner of the proposed change.  
           Sec. 91.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 103C.501, 
        subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [RULES.] (a) The state board shall adopt rules 
        prescribing:  
           (1) procedures and criteria for allocating funds for 
        cost-sharing contracts; 
           (2) standards and guidelines for cost-sharing contracts; 
           (3) the scope and content of district comprehensive plans, 
        plan amendments, and annual work plans; 
           (4) standards and methods necessary to plan and implement a 
        priority cost-sharing program, including guidelines to identify 
        high priority erosion, sedimentation, and water quality 
        problems; 
           (5) the share of the cost of conservation practices to be 
        paid from cost-sharing funds; and 
           (6) requirements for districts to document their efforts to 
        identify and contact land occupiers with high priority erosion 
        problems.  
           (b) The rules may provide that cost-sharing may be used for 
        farmstead windbreaks and shelterbelts for the purposes of energy 
        conservation and snow protection. 
           Sec. 92.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 103F.378, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [DUTIES.] The Minnesota river basin joint 
        powers board, established under section 471.59 for the purpose 
        of coordinating efforts to improve water quality in the 
        Minnesota river and achieving the goal of making the Minnesota 
        river suitable for fishing and swimming by the year 2005, has 
        the following duties: 
           (1) coordination of comprehensive cleanup goals for the 
        Minnesota river by coordinating the work plans of the 12 major 
        watersheds and the member counties of the joint powers board, 
        state agencies, and the University of Minnesota in cleanup 
        efforts and submission of periodic river cleanup plans for 
        submission to the governor and the legislature; 
           (2) advising on the development and use of monitoring and 
        evaluation systems in the Minnesota river and the incorporation 
        of the data obtained from these systems into the planning 
        process; 
           (3) conducting public meetings of the board on at least a 
        quarterly basis at locations within the Minnesota river basin; 
           (4) conducting an ongoing information and education program 
        concerning the status of the Minnesota river, including an 
        annual conference on the state of the Minnesota river; and 
           (5) providing periodic reports and budget requests to the 
        governor's office and the chairs of the agriculture and 
        environment and natural resources committees of the senate and 
        the house of representatives regarding progress on meeting river 
        water quality management goals and future funding required for 
        this effort.; 
           (6) advising on the development of projects within the 12 
        major watersheds that are scientifically sound, have landowner 
        support, and reduce inputs of pollutants into the Minnesota 
        river basin; and 
           (7) administering the distribution of project 
        implementation funds for the 12 major watersheds by approving 
        projects, identifying matching components for each project, and 
        tracking the results achieved for each project. 
           Sec. 93.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115.03, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 9.  [FUTURE COSTS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT; UPDATE OF 
        1995 REPORT.] The commissioner shall, by January 15, 1998, and 
        each even-numbered year thereafter, provide the chairs of the 
        house and senate committees with primary jurisdiction over the 
        agency's budget with the following information: 
           (1) an updated list of all wastewater treatment upgrade and 
        construction projects the agency has identified to meet existing 
        and proposed water quality standards and regulations; 
           (2) an estimate of the total costs associated with the 
        projects listed in clause (1), and the projects' priority 
        ranking under Minnesota Rules, chapter 7077.  The costs of 
        projects necessary to meet existing standards must be identified 
        separately from the costs of projects necessary to meet proposed 
        standards; 
           (3) the commissioner's best estimate, developed in 
        consultation with the commissioner of trade and economic 
        development and affected permittees, of the increase in sewer 
        service rates to the residents in the municipalities required to 
        construct the projects listed in clause (1) resulting from the 
        cost of these projects; and 
           (4) a list of existing and proposed state water quality 
        standards which are more stringent than is necessary to comply 
        with federal law, either because the standard has no applicable 
        federal water quality criteria, or because the standard is more 
        stringent than the applicable federal water quality criteria. 
           Sec. 94.  [115.58] [ALTERNATIVE DISCHARGING SEWAGE SYSTEMS; 
        GENERAL PERMITS.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITIONS.] (a) The definitions in this 
        subdivision apply to this section. 
           (b) "Alternative discharging sewage system" means a sewage 
        treatment system serving one or more dwellings and other 
        establishments that discharges less than 10,000 gallons of water 
        per day and uses any treatment and disposal methods other than 
        subsurface soil treatment and disposal. 
           (c) "Permit" means a National Pollutant Discharge 
        Elimination System permit or State Disposal System permit 
        granted to any person for the installation, ownership, 
        management, or control of alternative discharging sewage systems 
        whose operations, emissions, activities, discharges, or 
        facilities are the same or substantially similar. 
           (d) "Water quality cooperative" means an association of 
        persons organized under chapter 308A to install, own, manage, 
        and control individual sewage treatment systems or alternative 
        discharging sewage systems and provide water quality treatment 
        and management services for its members within a defined 
        geographical area. 
           (e) "Water quality treatment and management services" means 
        the monitoring and control of alternative discharging sewage 
        systems to eliminate or reduce water pollution from point and 
        nonpoint sources; the management, use, reuse, recycling, or 
        reclamation of land, water, or wastewater for water supply; 
        geothermal heating and cooling; fire protection; irrigation; 
        drainage; open space or green belt preservation; storm water 
        management and control; flood management and control or other 
        purposes that are part of a comprehensive plan to reduce, 
        prevent, or eliminate water pollution. 
           Subd. 2.  [AREAWIDE PERMIT.] The agency may issue an 
        areawide permit for alternative discharging sewage systems, 
        where the systems: 
           (1) meet all applicable federal and state standards for 
        treatment and discharge of sewage effluents by the agency; 
           (2) are part of a water quality treatment and management 
        plan to prevent, eliminate, or reduce water pollution within a 
        defined geographic area; 
           (3) are owned or controlled by a water quality cooperative; 
        and 
           (4) the water quality cooperative has a service agreement 
        with a local unit of government to provide water quality 
        treatment and management services for the area under section 
        471A.03. 
           Subd. 3.  [LOCAL ORDINANCE EXEMPTION.] Any system which is 
        permitted under subdivision 2 is exempt from the requirements of 
        any local ordinance adopted to conform with section 115.55 if 
        the system complies with the applicable standards for discharges 
        and treatment of sewage effluents. 
           Sec. 95.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115A.54, 
        subdivision 2a, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2a.  [SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS.] (a) The 
        director shall provide technical and financial assistance for 
        the acquisition and betterment of solid waste management 
        projects as provided in this subdivision and section 115A.52.  
        Money appropriated for the purposes of this subdivision must be 
        distributed as grants. 
           (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), a project may 
        receive grant assistance up to 25 percent of the capital cost of 
        the project or $2,000,000, whichever is less, except that 
        projects constructed as a result of intercounty cooperative 
        agreements may receive (1) grant assistance up to 25 percent of 
        the capital cost of the project; or (2) $2,000,000 times the 
        number of participating counties, whichever is less.  
           (c) A recycling project or a project to compost or 
        cocompost waste may receive grant assistance up to 50 percent of 
        the capital cost of the project or $2,000,000, whichever is 
        less, except that projects completed as a result of intercounty 
        cooperative agreements may receive (1) grant assistance up to 50 
        percent of the capital cost of the project; or (2) $2,000,000 
        times the number of participating counties, whichever is less.  
        The following projects may also receive grant assistance in the 
        amounts specified in this paragraph: 
           (1) a project to improve control of or reduce air emissions 
        at an existing resource recovery facility; and 
           (2) a project to substantially increase the recovery of 
        materials or energy, substantially reduce the amount or toxicity 
        of waste processing residuals, or expand the capacity of an 
        existing resource recovery facility to meet the resource 
        recovery needs of an expanded region if each county from which 
        waste is or would be received has achieved a recycling rate in 
        excess of the goals in section 115A.551, and is implementing 
        aggressive waste reduction and household hazardous waste 
        management programs. 
           (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (e), the director may award 
        grants for transfer stations that will initially transfer waste 
        to landfills if the transfer stations are part of a planned 
        resource recovery project, the county where the planned resource 
        recovery facility will be located has a comprehensive solid 
        waste management plan approved by the director, and the solid 
        waste management plan proposes the development of the resource 
        recovery facility.  If the proposed resource recovery facility 
        is not in place and operating within eight 12 years of the date 
        of the grant award, the recipient shall repay the grant amount 
        to the state. 
           (e) Projects without resource recovery are not eligible for 
        assistance. 
           (f) In addition to any assistance received under paragraph 
        (b) or (c), a project may receive grant assistance for the cost 
        of tests necessary to determine the appropriate pollution 
        control equipment for the project or the environmental effects 
        of the use of any product or material produced by the project. 
           (g) In addition to the application requirements of section 
        115A.51, an application for a project serving eligible 
        jurisdictions in only a single county must demonstrate that 
        cooperation with jurisdictions in other counties to develop the 
        project is not needed or not feasible.  Each application must 
        also demonstrate that the project is not financially prudent 
        without the state assistance, because of the applicant's 
        financial capacity and the problems inherent in the waste 
        management situation in the area, particularly transportation 
        distances and limited waste supply and markets for resources 
        recovered.  
           (h) For the purposes of this subdivision, a "project" means 
        a processing facility, together with any transfer stations, 
        transmission facilities, and other related and appurtenant 
        facilities primarily serving the processing facility.  The 
        director shall adopt rules for the program by July 1, 1985. 
           (i) Notwithstanding anything in this subdivision to the 
        contrary, a project to construct a new mixed municipal solid 
        waste transfer station that has an enforceable commitment of at 
        least ten years, or of sufficient length to retire bonds sold 
        for the facility, to serve an existing resource recovery 
        facility may receive grant assistance up to 75 percent of the 
        capital cost of the project if addition of the transfer station 
        will increase substantially the geographical area served by the 
        resource recovery facility and the ability of the resource 
        recovery facility to operate more efficiently on a regional 
        basis and the facility meets the criteria in paragraph (c), the 
        second clause (2).  A transfer station eligible for assistance 
        under this paragraph is not eligible for assistance under any 
        other paragraph of this subdivision. 
           Sec. 96.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115A.912, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 4.  [WASTE TIRE MATERIALS; PROHIBITION.] Materials 
        derived from waste tires may not be used as lightweight fill in 
        the construction of public roads in the state unless the 
        construction plan is prepared by a professional engineer 
        experienced in the geotechnical field and licensed in the state 
        of Minnesota.  The plan shall include, but not be limited to, 
        the location, duration, and length of the project, the depth of 
        fill, the depth of cover, the size of waste tire pieces, the 
        plan for encapsulating the waste tire pieces, and the fire 
        protection plan.  All engineering specifications must be 
        consistent with the current lightweight tire fill engineering 
        practices as developed for roadways by the Minnesota department 
        of transportation. 
           Sec. 97.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115A.916, is 
        amended to read: 
           115A.916 [MOTOR VEHICLE FLUIDS AND FILTERS; PROHIBITIONS.] 
           (a) A person may not knowingly place motor oil, brake 
        fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, motor oil 
        filters, or motor vehicle antifreeze: 
           (1) in solid waste or in a solid waste management facility 
        other than a recycling facility or a household hazardous waste 
        collection facility; 
           (2) in or on the land, unless approved by the agency; or 
           (3) in or on the waters of the state or in a stormwater or 
        wastewater collection or treatment system.  
           (b) For the purposes of this section, "antifreeze" does not 
        include small amounts of antifreeze contained in water used to 
        flush the cooling system of a vehicle after the antifreeze has 
        been drained and does not include deicer that has been used on 
        the exterior of a vehicle. 
           (c) For businesses that purchase or use an annual average 
        of over 150 50 gallons of motor vehicle antifreeze per month for 
        on-site installation in motor vehicles, this section does not 
        apply to antifreeze placed in a wastewater collection system 
        that includes a publicly owned treatment works that is permitted 
        by the agency until December 31, 1996 1997.  For businesses that 
        purchase or use an annual average of 150 50 gallons or less of 
        motor vehicle antifreeze per month for on-site installation in 
        motor vehicles, this section does not apply to antifreeze placed 
        in a wastewater collection system that includes a publicly owned 
        treatment works that is permitted by the agency until December 
        31, 1997 July 1, 1998. 
           (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), motor oil filters and 
        portions of motor oil filters may be processed at a permitted 
        mixed municipal solid waste resource recovery facility that 
        directly burns the waste if: 
           (1) the facility is subject to an industrial waste 
        management plan that addresses management of motor oil filters 
        and the owner or operator of the facility can demonstrate to the 
        satisfaction of the commissioner that the facility is in 
        compliance with that plan; 
           (2) the facility recovers ferrous metal after incineration 
        for recycling as part of its operation; and 
           (3) the motor oil filters are collected separately from 
        mixed municipal solid waste and are not combined with it except 
        for the purpose of incinerating the waste. 
           (e) The commissioner of the pollution control agency, 
        industry organizations representing automotive repair businesses 
        and antifreeze recycling businesses, and environmental 
        organizations shall work together to develop and promote 
        opportunities to recycle waste motor vehicle antifreeze and to 
        review the impact of alternative antifreeze disposal or 
        recycling methods on businesses and the environment. 
           Sec. 98.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115A.932, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [PROHIBITIONS.] (a) A person may not place 
        mercury or a thermostat, thermometer, electric switch, 
        appliance, gauge, or medical or scientific instrument from which 
        the mercury has not been removed for reuse or recycling: 
           (1) in solid waste; or 
           (2) in a wastewater disposal system. 
           (b) A person may not knowingly place mercury or a 
        thermostat, thermometer, electric switch, appliance, gauge, or 
        medical or scientific instrument from which the mercury has not 
        been removed for reuse or recycling: 
           (1) in a solid waste processing facility; or 
           (2) in a solid waste disposal facility, as defined in 
        section 115.01, subdivision 4. 
           (c) A person may not knowingly place a fluorescent or high 
        intensity discharge lamp: 
           (1) in solid waste; or 
           (2) in a solid waste facility, except a household hazardous 
        waste collection or recycling facility. 
           This paragraph does not apply to waste lamps generated by 
        households until August 1, 1994. 
           Sec. 99.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.02, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 9a.  [INSTITUTIONAL CONTROLS.] "Institutional 
        controls" means legally enforceable restrictions, conditions, or 
        controls on the use of real property, groundwater, or surface 
        water located at or adjacent to a facility where response 
        actions are taken that are reasonably required to assure that 
        the response actions are protective of public health or welfare 
        or the environment.  Institutional controls include 
        restrictions, conditions, or controls enforceable by contract, 
        easement, restrictive covenant, statute, ordinance, or rule, 
        including official controls such as zoning, building codes, and 
        official maps.  An affidavit required under section 115B.16, 
        subdivision 2, or similar notice of a release recorded with real 
        property records is also an institutional control. 
           Sec. 100.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.02, 
        subdivision 16, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 16.  [REMEDY OR REMEDIAL ACTION.] "Remedy" or 
        "remedial action" means those actions consistent with permanent 
        remedy taken instead of or in addition to removal actions in the 
        event of a release or threatened release of a hazardous 
        substance, or a pollutant or contaminant, into the environment, 
        to prevent, minimize or eliminate the release in order to 
        protect the public health or welfare or the environment.  
           Remedy or remedial action includes, but is not limited to:  
           (a) Actions at the location of the release such as storage, 
        confinement, perimeter protection using dikes, trenches, or 
        ditches, clay cover, neutralization, cleanup of released 
        hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, or 
        contaminated materials, recycling or reuse, diversion, 
        destruction, segregation of reactive wastes, dredging or 
        excavations, repair or replacement of leaking containers, 
        collection of leachate and runoff, on-site treatment or 
        incineration, provision of alternative water supplies, and any 
        monitoring and maintenance, and institutional controls, 
        reasonably required to assure that these actions protect the 
        public health and welfare and the environment; and 
           (b) The costs of permanent relocation of residents and 
        businesses and community facilities when the agency determines 
        that, alone or in combination with other measures, relocation is 
        more cost-effective than and environmentally preferable to the 
        transportation, storage, treatment, destruction, or secure 
        disposition off-site of hazardous substances, or pollutants or 
        contaminants, or may otherwise be necessary to protect the 
        public health or welfare.  
           Remedy or remedial action does not include offsite 
        transport of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, 
        or contaminated materials or their storage, treatment, 
        destruction, or secure disposition offsite unless the agency 
        determines that these actions:  
           (1) Are more cost-effective than other remedial actions; 
           (2) Will create new capacity to manage hazardous substances 
        in addition to those located at the affected facility, in 
        compliance with section 116.07 and subtitle C of the Solid Waste 
        Disposal Act, United States Code, title 42, section 6921 et 
        seq.; or 
           (3) Are necessary to protect the public health or welfare 
        or the environment from a present or potential risk which may be 
        created by further exposure to the continued presence of the 
        hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, or 
        contaminated materials.  
           Sec. 101.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.17, 
        subdivision 14, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 14.  [REQUESTS FOR REVIEW, INVESTIGATION, AND 
        OVERSIGHT.] (a) The commissioner may, upon request, assist a 
        person in determining whether real property has been the site of 
        a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, 
        pollutant, or contaminant.  The commissioner may also assist in, 
        or supervise, the development and implementation of reasonable 
        and necessary response actions.  Assistance may include review 
        of agency records and files, and review and approval of a 
        requester's investigation plans and reports and response action 
        plans and implementation. 
           (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the 
        person requesting assistance under this subdivision shall pay 
        the agency for the agency's cost, as determined by the 
        commissioner, of providing assistance.  A state agency, 
        political subdivision, or other public entity is not required to 
        pay for the agency's cost to review agency records and files.  
        Money received by the agency for assistance under this section 
        must be deposited in the environmental response, compensation, 
        and compliance fund. 
           (c) When a person investigates a release or threatened 
        release in accordance with an investigation plan approved by the 
        commissioner under this subdivision, the investigation does not 
        associate that person with the release or threatened release for 
        the purpose of section 115B.03, subdivision 3, paragraph (d). 
           Sec. 102.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.17, 
        subdivision 15, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 15.  [ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.] The agency may 
        acquire, by purchase or donation, an interest in real property, 
        including easements, restrictive covenants, and leases, that the 
        agency determines is necessary for response action.  The 
        validity and duration of a restrictive covenant or nonpossessory 
        easement acquired under this subdivision shall be determined in 
        the same manner as the validity and duration of a conservation 
        easement under chapter 84C, unless the duration is otherwise 
        provided in the agreement.  The agency may acquire an easement 
        by condemnation only if the agency is unable, after reasonable 
        efforts, to acquire an interest in real property by purchase or 
        donation.  The provisions of chapter 117 govern condemnation 
        proceedings by the agency under this subdivision.  A donation of 
        an interest in real property to the agency is not effective 
        until the agency executes a certificate of acceptance.  The 
        state is not liable under this chapter solely as a result of 
        acquiring an interest in real property under this subdivision. 
           Sec. 103.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.17, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 17.  [SETTLEMENTS; GENERAL AUTHORITY.] In addition to 
        the general authority vested in the agency to settle any claims 
        under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18, the agency may exercise the 
        settlement authorities provided in subdivisions 17 to 20.  If 
        the agency does not obtain complete relief for all of its claims 
        under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18, pursuant to a settlement, the 
        agency may bring claims under those sections against any person 
        who is not a party to the settlement, but the settlement shall 
        reduce the liability of any person who is not a party to the 
        settlement by the amount of the settlement. 
           Sec. 104.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.17, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 18.  [CONTRIBUTION PROTECTION FOR 
        SETTLORS.] Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 
        115B.08 or any other law, a person who resolves its liability to 
        the agency under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18 in a settlement 
        shall not be liable for any claim for contribution regarding 
        matters addressed in the settlement.  Except as otherwise 
        provided in the settlement, a party to a settlement retains any 
        right under section 115B.08 or any other law to bring a claim 
        for contribution against any person who is not a party to the 
        settlement.  Any claim for contribution against a person who is 
        not a party to the settlement shall be subordinate to any claim 
        asserted against such person by the agency. 
           Sec. 105.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.17, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 19.  [REIMBURSEMENT UNDER CERTAIN SETTLEMENTS.] (a) 
        When the agency determines that some but not all persons 
        responsible for a release are willing to implement response 
        actions, the agency may agree, pursuant to a settlement of its 
        claims under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18, to reimburse the 
        settling parties for response costs incurred to take the 
        actions.  The agency may agree to reimburse any amount which 
        does not exceed the amount that the agency estimates may be 
        attributable to the liability of responsible persons who are not 
        parties to the settlement.  Reimbursement may be provided only 
        for the cost of conducting remedial design and constructing 
        remedial action pursuant to the terms of the settlement.  
        Reimbursement under this subdivision shall be paid only upon the 
        agency's determination that the remedial action approved by the 
        agency has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 
        settlement.  The agency may use money appropriated to it for 
        actions authorized under section 115B.20, subdivision 2, clause 
        (2), to pay reimbursement under this subdivision. 
           (b) The agency may agree to provide reimbursement under a 
        settlement only when all of the following requirements have been 
        met: 
           (1) the agency has made the determination under paragraph 
        (c) regarding persons who are not participating in the 
        settlement, and has provided written notice to persons 
        identified under paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2), of their 
        opportunity to participate in the settlement or in a separate 
        settlement under subdivision 20; 
           (2) the release addressed in the settlement has been 
        assigned a priority pursuant to agency rules adopted under 
        subdivision 13, and the priority is at least as high as a 
        release for which the agency would be allowed to allocate funds 
        for remedial action under the rules; 
           (3) an investigation of the release addressed in the 
        settlement has been completed in accordance with a plan approved 
        by the agency; and 
           (4) the agency has approved the remedial action to be 
        implemented under the settlement. 
           (c) Before entering into a settlement providing for 
        reimbursement under this subdivision, the agency shall determine 
        that there are one or more persons who meet any of the following 
        criteria who are not participating in the settlement: 
           (1) persons identified by the agency as responsible for the 
        release addressed in the settlement but who are likely to have 
        only minimal involvement in actions leading to the release, or 
        are insolvent or financially unable to pay any significant share 
        of response action costs; 
           (2) persons identified by the agency as responsible for the 
        release other than persons described in clause (1) and who are 
        unwilling to participate in the settlement or to take response 
        actions with respect to the release; 
           (3) persons whom the agency has reason to believe are 
        responsible for the release addressed in the settlement but whom 
        the agency has been unable to identify; or 
           (4) persons identified to the agency by a party to the 
        proposed settlement as persons who are potentially responsible 
        for the release but for whom the agency has insufficient 
        information to determine responsibility. 
           (d) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, a 
        decision of the agency under this subdivision to offer or agree 
        to provide reimbursement in any settlement, or to determine the 
        amount of reimbursement it will provide under a settlement, is a 
        matter of agency discretion in the exercise of its enforcement 
        authority.  In exercising discretion in this matter, the agency 
        may consider, among other factors, the degree of cooperation 
        with the agency that has been shown prior to the settlement by 
        the parties seeking reimbursement. 
           (e) The agency may require as a term of settlement under 
        this subdivision that the parties receiving reimbursement from 
        the agency waive any rights they may have to bring a claim for 
        contribution against persons who are not parties to the 
        settlement. 
           Sec. 106.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.17, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 20.  [SETTLEMENTS WITH DE MINIMIS PARTIES AND PARTIES 
        WITH LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES.] (a) The agency may agree to 
        separately settle its claims under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18 
        with any persons: 
           (1) whose liability for response costs or response actions, 
        in the determination of the agency, is minimal in comparison 
        with the liability of other persons responsible for the release; 
        or 
           (2) who are responsible for a release but, in the 
        determination of the agency, are insolvent or financially unable 
        to pay any significant share of their liability for the response 
        costs. 
           (b) A settlement under this subdivision may require the 
        parties to pay a fixed amount in money or in kind toward the 
        implementation of response actions, and may include a premium 
        for the risk of additional future response costs or response 
        action requirements.  The agency may require as a term of a 
        settlement under this subdivision that the settling responsible 
        persons waive any rights they may have to bring a claim for 
        contribution against persons who are not parties to the 
        settlement. 
           (c) All amounts paid to the agency under a settlement 
        entered into pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited in 
        the account and are appropriated to the agency to pay for 
        response actions and associated administrative and legal costs 
        related to the release addressed in the settlement, including 
        reimbursement for response costs under subdivision 19. 
           Sec. 107.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.175, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [PARTIAL RESPONSE ACTION PLANS; CRITERIA FOR 
        APPROVAL.] (a) The commissioner may approve a voluntary response 
        action plan submitted under this section that does not require 
        removal or remedy of all releases and threatened releases at an 
        identified area of real property if the commissioner determines 
        that all of the following criteria have been met: 
           (1) if reuse or development of the property is proposed, 
        the voluntary response action plan provides for all response 
        actions required to carry out the proposed reuse or development 
        in a manner that meets the same standards for protection that 
        apply to response actions taken or requested under section 
        115B.17, subdivision 1 or 2; 
           (2) the response actions and the activities associated with 
        any reuse or development proposed for the property will not 
        aggravate or contribute to releases or threatened releases that 
        are not required to be removed or remedied under the voluntary 
        response action plan, and will not interfere with or 
        substantially increase the cost of response actions to address 
        the remaining releases or threatened releases; and 
           (3) the owner of the property agrees to cooperate with the 
        commissioner or other persons acting at the direction of the 
        commissioner in taking response actions necessary to address 
        remaining releases or threatened releases, and to avoid any 
        action that interferes with the response actions. 
           (b) Under paragraph (a), clause (3), an owner may be 
        required to agree to any or all of the following terms necessary 
        to carry out response actions to address remaining releases or 
        threatened releases: 
           (1) to provide access to the property to the commissioner 
        and the commissioner's authorized representatives; 
           (2) to allow the commissioner, or persons acting at the 
        direction of the commissioner, to undertake reasonable and 
        necessary activities at the property including placement of 
        borings, wells, equipment, and structures on the property, 
        provided that the activities do not unreasonably interfere with 
        the proposed reuse or redevelopment; and 
           (3) to grant easements or other interests in the property 
        to the agency for any of the purposes provided in clause (1) or 
        (2). 
           (c) An agreement under paragraph (a), clause (3), must 
        apply to and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the 
        owner.  The owner shall record the agreement, or a memorandum 
        approved by the commissioner that summarizes the agreement, with 
        the county recorder or registrar of titles of the county where 
        the property is located. 
           Sec. 108.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.175, 
        subdivision 6a, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6a.  [VOLUNTARY RESPONSE ACTIONS BY RESPONSIBLE 
        PERSONS.] (a) Notwithstanding subdivision 1, paragraph (a), when 
        a person who is responsible for a release or threatened release 
        under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18 undertakes and completes 
        response actions, the protection from liability provided by this 
        section applies to persons described in paragraph (c) if the 
        response actions are undertaken and completed in accordance with 
        this subdivision. 
           (b) The response actions must be undertaken and completed 
        in accordance with a voluntary response action plan approved as 
        provided in subdivision 3.  Notwithstanding subdivision 2, a 
        voluntary response action plan submitted by a person who is 
        responsible for the release or threatened release must require 
        remedy or removal of all releases and threatened releases at the 
        identified area of real property.  The identified area of real 
        property must correspond to the boundaries of a parcel that is 
        either separately platted or is the entire parcel. 
           (c) Subject to the provisions of subdivision 7, when the 
        commissioner issues a certificate of completion under 
        subdivision 5 for response actions completed at an identified 
        area of real property in accordance with this subdivision, the 
        liability protection under this section applies to: 
           (1) a person who acquires the identified real property 
        after approval of the voluntary response action plan; 
           (2) a person providing financing for response actions or 
        development at the identified real property after approval of 
        the response action plan, whether the financing is provided to 
        the person undertaking the response actions or other person who 
        acquires or develops the property; and 
           (3) a successor or assign of a person to whom the liability 
        protection applies under this paragraph. 
           (d) When the commissioner issues a certificate of 
        completion for response actions completed by a responsible 
        person, the commissioner and the responsible person may enter 
        into an agreement that resolves the person's future liability to 
        the agency under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18 for the release or 
        threatened release addressed by the response actions. 
           Sec. 109.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.412, 
        subdivision 10, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 10.  [REPORT.] By October December 1 of each year, 
        the commissioner shall report to the environment and natural 
        resources committees and to the appropriate finance committees 
        of the senate and the house of representatives on the 
        commissioner's activities under sections 115B.39 to 115B.43 and 
        the commissioner's anticipated activities during future fiscal 
        years. 
           Sec. 110.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.48, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [DRYCLEANING FACILITY.] "Drycleaning facility" 
        means a facility located in this state that is or has been used 
        for a drycleaning operation, other than: 
           (1) a coin-operated drycleaning operation; 
           (2) a facility located on a United States military base; 
           (3) a uniform service or linen supply facility; 
           (4) a prison or other penal institution; 
           (5) a facility on the national priorities list established 
        under the Federal Superfund Act; or 
           (6) a facility at which a response action has been taken or 
        started under section 115B.17 before July 1, 1995, except as 
        authorized in a settlement agreement approved by the 
        commissioner by July 1, 1997. 
           Sec. 111.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.48, 
        subdivision 8, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 8.  [FULL-TIME EQUIVALENCE.] "Full-time equivalence" 
        means 2,000 hours worked by employees, owners, and others, at 
        duties related to the drycleaning operation in a drycleaning 
        facility during a 12-month period beginning July 1 of the 
        preceding year and running through June 30 of the year in which 
        the annual registration fee is due.  For those drycleaning 
        facilities that were in business less than the 12-month period, 
        full-time equivalence means the total of all of the hours worked 
        at duties related to the drycleaning operation in the 
        drycleaning facility, divided by 2,000 and multiplied by a 
        fraction, the numerator of which is 50 and the denominator of 
        which is the number of weeks in business during the reporting 
        period. 
           Sec. 112.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115B.49, 
        subdivision 4, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 4.  [REGISTRATION; FEES.] (a) The owner or operator 
        of a drycleaning facility shall register on or before July 1 of 
        each year with the commissioner of revenue in a manner 
        prescribed by the commissioner of revenue and pay a registration 
        fee for the facility.  The amount of the fee is: 
           (1) $500, for facilities with a full-time equivalence of 
        fewer than five; 
           (2) $1,000, for facilities with a full-time equivalence of 
        five to ten; and 
           (3) $1,500, for facilities with a full-time equivalence of 
        more than ten. 
           (b) A person who sells drycleaning solvents for use by 
        drycleaning facilities in the state shall collect and remit to 
        the commissioner of revenue in a manner prescribed by the 
        commissioner of revenue, on or before the 20th day of the month 
        following the month in which the sales of drycleaning solvents 
        are made, a fee of: 
           (1) $3.50 for each gallon of perchloroethylene sold for use 
        by drycleaning facilities in the state; and 
           (2) 70 cents for each gallon of hydrocarbon-based 
        drycleaning solvent sold for use by drycleaning facilities in 
        the state. 
           (c) The commissioner shall, after a public hearing but 
        notwithstanding section 16A.1285, subdivision 4, annually adjust 
        the fees in this subdivision as necessary to maintain an 
        unencumbered balance in the account annual income of at least 
        $1,000,000: 
           (1) $600,000 beginning July 1, 1997; 
           (2) $700,000 beginning July 1, 1998; and 
           (3) $800,000 beginning July 1, 1999. 
        Any adjustment under this paragraph must be prorated among all 
        the fees in this subdivision.  Fees adjusted under this 
        paragraph may not exceed 200 percent of the fees in this 
        subdivision After adjustment under this paragraph, the fees in 
        this subdivision must not be greater than two times their 
        original amount.  The commissioner shall notify the commissioner 
        of revenue of an adjustment under this paragraph no later than 
        March 1 of the year in which the adjustment is to become 
        effective.  The adjustment is effective for sales of drycleaning 
        solvents made, and annual registration fees due, beginning on 
        July 1 of the same year. 
           (d) To enforce this subdivision, the commissioner of 
        revenue may examine documents, assess and collect fees, conduct 
        investigations, issue subpoenas, grant extensions to file 
        returns and pay fees, impose penalties and interest on the 
        annual registration fee under paragraph (a) and the monthly fee 
        under paragraph (b), abate penalties and interest, and 
        administer appeals, in the manner provided in chapters 270 and 
        289A.  The penalties and interest imposed on taxes under chapter 
        297A apply to the fees imposed under this subdivision.  
        Disclosure of data collected by the commissioner of revenue 
        under this subdivision is governed by chapter 270B. 
           Sec. 113.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.07, 
        subdivision 4d, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 4d.  [PERMIT FEES.] (a) The agency may collect permit 
        fees in amounts not greater than those necessary to cover the 
        reasonable costs of reviewing and acting upon applications for 
        agency permits and implementing and enforcing the conditions of 
        the permits pursuant to agency rules.  Permit fees shall not 
        include the costs of litigation.  The agency shall adopt rules 
        under section 16A.1285 establishing a system for charging permit 
        fees collected under this subdivision.  The fee schedule must 
        reflect reasonable and routine permitting, implementation, and 
        enforcement costs.  The agency may impose an additional 
        enforcement fee to be collected for a period of up to two years 
        to cover the reasonable costs of implementing and enforcing the 
        conditions of a permit under the rules of the agency.  Any money 
        collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the special 
        revenue account environmental fund. 
           (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), and section 16A.1285, 
        subdivision 2, the agency shall collect an annual fee from the 
        owner or operator of all stationary sources, emission 
        facilities, emissions units, air contaminant treatment 
        facilities, treatment facilities, potential air contaminant 
        storage facilities, or storage facilities subject to the 
        requirement to obtain a permit under subchapter V of the federal 
        Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7401 et 
        seq., or section 116.081.  The annual fee shall be used to pay 
        for all direct and indirect reasonable costs, including attorney 
        general costs, required to develop and administer the permit 
        program requirements of subchapter V of the federal Clean Air 
        Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7401 et seq., and 
        sections of this chapter and the rules adopted under this 
        chapter related to air contamination and noise.  Those costs 
        include the reasonable costs of reviewing and acting upon an 
        application for a permit; implementing and enforcing statutes, 
        rules, and the terms and conditions of a permit; emissions, 
        ambient, and deposition monitoring; preparing generally 
        applicable regulations; responding to federal guidance; 
        modeling, analyses, and demonstrations; preparing inventories 
        and tracking emissions; and providing information to the public 
        about these activities. 
           (c) The agency shall adopt fee rules in accordance with the 
        procedures in section 16A.1285, subdivision 5, that: 
           (1) will result in the collection, in the aggregate, from 
        the sources listed in paragraph (b), of the following amounts: 
           (1) an amount not less than $25 per ton of each volatile 
        organic compound; pollutant regulated under United States Code, 
        title 42, section 7411 or 7412 (section 111 or 112 of the 
        federal Clean Air Act); and each pollutant, except carbon 
        monoxide, for which a national primary ambient air quality 
        standard has been promulgated; and 
           (2) the agency fee rules may also result in the collection, 
        in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph (b), of 
        an amount not less than $25 per ton of each pollutant not listed 
        in clause (1) that is regulated under this chapter or air 
        quality rules adopted under this chapter.; and 
           (3) shall collect, in the aggregate, from the sources 
        listed in paragraph (b), the amount needed to match grant funds 
        received by the state under United States Code, title 42, 
        section 7405 (section 105 of the federal Clean Air Act). 
        The agency must not include in the calculation of the aggregate 
        amount to be collected under the fee rules clauses (1) and (2) 
        any amount in excess of 4,000 tons per year of each air 
        pollutant from a source.  The increase in air permit fees to 
        match federal grant funds shall be a surcharge on existing 
        fees.  The commissioner may not collect the surcharge after the 
        grant funds become unavailable.  In addition, the commissioner 
        shall use nonfee funds to the extent practical to match the 
        grant funds so that the fee surcharge is minimized. 
           (d) To cover the reasonable costs described in paragraph 
        (b), the agency shall provide in the rules promulgated under 
        paragraph (c) for an increase in the fee collected in each year 
        by the percentage, if any, by which the Consumer Price Index for 
        the most recent calendar year ending before the beginning of the 
        year the fee is collected exceeds the Consumer Price Index for 
        the calendar year 1989.  For purposes of this paragraph the 
        Consumer Price Index for any calendar year is the average of the 
        Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the 
        United States Department of Labor, as of the close of the 
        12-month period ending on August 31 of each calendar year.  The 
        revision of the Consumer Price Index that is most consistent 
        with the Consumer Price Index for calendar year 1989 shall be 
        used. 
           (e) Any money collected under paragraphs (b) to (d) must be 
        deposited in an air quality account in the environmental fund 
        and must be used solely for the activities listed in paragraph 
        (b).  
           (f) Persons who wish to construct or expand an air emission 
        facility may offer to reimburse the agency for the costs of 
        staff overtime or consultant services needed to expedite permit 
        review.  The reimbursement shall be in addition to fees imposed 
        by paragraphs (a) to (d).  When the agency determines that it 
        needs additional resources to review the permit application in 
        an expedited manner, and that expediting the review would not 
        disrupt air permitting program priorities, the agency may accept 
        the reimbursement.  Reimbursements accepted by the agency are 
        appropriated to the agency for the purpose of reviewing the 
        permit application.  Reimbursement by a permit applicant shall 
        precede and not be contingent upon issuance of a permit and 
        shall not affect the agency's decision on whether to issue or 
        deny a permit, what conditions are included in a permit, or the 
        application of state and federal statutes and rules governing 
        permit determinations. 
           Sec. 114.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.07, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 7a.  [NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK FEEDLOT 
        PERMIT.] A person who applies to the pollution control agency or 
        a county board for a permit to construct or expand a feedlot 
        with a capacity of 500 animal units or more shall, not later 
        than ten business days after the application is submitted, 
        provide notice to each resident and each owner of real property 
        within 5,000 feet of the perimeter of the proposed feedlot.  The 
        notice may be delivered by first class mail, in person, or by 
        the publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the 
        affected area and must include information on the type of 
        livestock and the proposed capacity of the feedlot.  
        Notification under this subdivision is satisfied under an equal 
        or greater notification requirement of a county conditional use 
        permit.  
           Sec. 115.  [116.0713] [LIVESTOCK ODOR.] 
           The pollution control agency must: 
           (1) monitor and identify potential livestock facility 
        violations of the state ambient air quality standards for 
        hydrogen sulfide, using a protocol for responding to citizen 
        complaints regarding feedlot odor and its hydrogen sulfide 
        component, including the appropriate use of portable monitoring 
        equipment that enables monitoring staff to follow plumes; 
           (2) when livestock production facilities are found to be in 
        violation of ambient hydrogen sulfide standards, take 
        appropriate actions necessary to ensure compliance, utilizing 
        appropriate technical assistance and enforcement and penalty 
        authorities provided to the agency by statute and rule. 
           Sec. 116.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.92, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 8a.  [BAN; MERCURY MANOMETERS.] After June 30, 1997, 
        mercury manometers for use on dairy farms may not be sold or 
        installed, nor may mercury manometers in use on dairy farms be 
        repaired.  After December 31, 2000, all mercury manometers on 
        dairy farms must be removed from use. 
           Sec. 117.  [116.993] [SMALL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL 
        IMPROVEMENT LOAN PROGRAM.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [ESTABLISHMENT.] A small business 
        environmental improvement revolving loan program is established 
        to provide loans to small businesses for the purpose of capital 
        equipment purchases that will meet or exceed environmental rules 
        and regulations or for investigation and cleanup of contaminated 
        sites.  The small business environmental improvement revolving 
        loan program replaces the small business environmental loan 
        program in Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.991, and the 
        hazardous waste generator loan program in Minnesota Statutes 
        1996, section 115B.223. 
           Subd. 2.  [ELIGIBLE BORROWER.] To be eligible for a loan 
        under this section, a borrower must: 
           (1) be a small business corporation, sole proprietorship, 
        partnership, or association; 
           (2) be a potential emitter of pollutants to the air, 
        ground, or water; 
           (3) need capital for equipment purchases that will meet or 
        exceed environmental regulations or need capital for site 
        investigation and cleanup; 
           (4) have less than 50 full-time employees; 
           (5) have an after tax profit of less than $500,000; and 
           (6) have a net worth of less than $1,000,000. 
           Subd. 3.  [LOAN APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCEDURE.] The 
        commissioner of the pollution control agency may give priority 
        to applicants that include, but are not limited to, those 
        subject to Clean Air Act standards adopted under United States 
        Code, title 42, section 7412, those undergoing site 
        investigation and remediation, those involved with facility wide 
        environmental compliance and pollution prevention projects, and 
        those determined by the commissioner to be small business 
        outreach priorities.  The commissioner shall decide whether to 
        award a loan to an eligible borrower based on: 
           (1) the applicant's financial need; 
           (2) the applicant's ability to secure and repay the loan; 
        and 
           (3) the expected environmental benefit. 
           Subd. 4.  [SCREENING COMMITTEE.] The commissioner shall 
        appoint a screening committee to evaluate applications and 
        determine loan awards.  The committee shall have diverse 
        expertise in air quality, water quality, solid and hazardous 
        waste management, site response and cleanup, pollution 
        prevention, and financial analysis. 
           Subd. 5.  [LIMITATION ON LOAN OBLIGATION.] Numbers of 
        applications accepted, evaluated, and awarded are based upon the 
        available money in the small business environmental improvement 
        loan account. 
           Subd. 6.  [LOAN CONDITIONS.] A loan made under this section 
        must include: 
           (1) an interest rate that is four percent or one-half the 
        prime rate, whichever is greater; 
           (2) a term of payment of not more than seven years; and 
           (3) an amount not less than $1,000 or exceeding $50,000. 
           Sec. 118.  [116.994] [SMALL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL 
        IMPROVEMENT LOAN ACCOUNT.] 
           The small business environmental improvement loan account 
        is established in the environmental fund.  Repayments of loans 
        made under section 116.993 must be credited to this account.  
        This account replaces the small business environmental loan 
        account in Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.992, and the 
        hazardous waste generator loan account in Minnesota Statutes 
        1996, section 115B.224.  The account balances and pending 
        repayments from the small business environmental loan account 
        and the hazardous waste generator account will be credited to 
        this new account.  Money in the account is appropriated to the 
        commissioner for loans under this section. 
           Sec. 119.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116C.834, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [COLLECTION AND DEPOSIT.] Fees assessed under 
        subdivision 1 shall be collected by the commissioner of 
        revenue.  All money received pursuant to this subdivision shall 
        be deposited in the special revenue environmental fund. 
           Sec. 120.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116O.09, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [DUTIES.] (a) In addition to the duties and 
        powers assigned to the institutes in section 116O.08, the 
        agricultural utilization research institute shall: 
           (1) identify the various market segments characterized by 
        Minnesota's agricultural industry, address each segment's 
        individual needs, and identify development opportunities in each 
        segment; 
           (2) develop and implement a utilization program for each 
        segment that addresses its development needs and identifies 
        techniques to meet those needs; 
           (3) coordinate research among the public and private 
        organizations and individuals specifically addressing procedures 
        to transfer new technology to businesses, farmers, and 
        individuals; and 
           (4) provide research grants to public and private 
        educational institutions and other organizations that are 
        undertaking basic and applied research that would promote the 
        development of the various agricultural industries; and 
           (5) provide financial assistance including, but not limited 
        to:  (i) direct loans, guarantees, interest subsidy payments, 
        and equity investments; and (ii) participation in loan 
        participations.  The board of directors shall establish the 
        terms and conditions of the financial assistance. 
           (b) The agricultural utilization research institute board 
        of directors, with the concurrence of the advisory board, shall 
        have the sole approval authority for establishing agricultural 
        utilization research priorities, requests for proposals to meet 
        those priorities, awarding of grants, hiring and direction of 
        personnel, and other expenditures of funds consistent with the 
        adopted and approved mission and goals of the agricultural 
        utilization research institute.  The actions and expenditures of 
        the agricultural utilization research institute are subject to 
        audit and regular annual report to the legislature in general 
        and specifically the house of representatives agriculture 
        committee, the senate agriculture and rural development 
        committee, the house of representatives appropriations 
        environment and natural resources finance committee, and the 
        senate finance committee environment and agriculture budget 
        division. 
           Sec. 121.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116O.09, 
        subdivision 5, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 5.  [ADVISORY BOARD.] A 26-member advisory board 
        is may be established to identify priorities for the 
        agricultural utilization research institute.  Members of the 
        advisory board are appointed by the board.  The advisory board 
        consists of:  the chair of the Minnesota house of 
        representatives agricultural committee; the chair of the 
        Minnesota senate agricultural committee; a representative from 
        each of the ten largest agricultural-related businesses in the 
        state as determined by the corporation; a member from each of 
        the appropriate trade organizations representing producers of 
        beef cattle, dairy, corn, soybeans, pork, wheat, turkey, barley, 
        wild rice, edible beans, eggs, and potatoes; a member of the 
        Farmers's Union; and a member of the Farm Bureau.  Terms and 
        removal of members must be set by the board and members of the 
        advisory board serve without compensation but shall receive 
        their necessary and actual expenses. 
           The advisory board shall annually provide a list of 
        priorities and suggested research and marketing studies that 
        should be performed by the agricultural utilization research 
        institute. 
           Sec. 122.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116O.09, 
        subdivision 9, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 9.  [MEETINGS.] The board of directors shall meet at 
        least twice each year and may hold additional meetings upon 
        giving notice in accordance with the bylaws of the institute.  
        Board meetings are subject to section 471.705, except 
        subdivision 1b as it pertains to financial information, business 
        plans, income and expense projections, customer lists, market 
        and feasibility studies, and trade secret information as defined 
        by section 13.37, subdivision 1, paragraph (b). 
           Sec. 123.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 216B.2423, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [STANDARD CONTRACTS FOR WIND ENERGY CONVERSION 
        SYSTEMS.] The public utilities commission shall require a public 
        utility subject to subdivision 1 to develop and file in a form 
        acceptable to the commission by October 1, 1997, a standard form 
        contract for the purchase of electricity from wind conversion 
        systems with installed capacity of two megawatts and less.  For 
        purposes of applying the two megawatts limit, the installed 
        capacity sold to the public utility from a single seller or 
        affiliated group of sellers shall be cumulated.  The standard 
        contract shall include all the terms and conditions for 
        purchasing wind-generated power by the utility, except for price 
        and any other specific terms necessary to ensure system 
        reliability and safety, which shall be separately negotiable. 
           Sec. 124.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 216C.41, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITIONS.] (a) The definitions in this 
        subdivision apply to this section: 
           (b) "Qualified hydroelectric facility" means a 
        hydroelectric generating facility in this state that: 
           (1) is located at the site of a dam, if the dam was in 
        existence as of March 31, 1994; and 
           (2) begins generating electricity after July 1, 1994. 
           (c) "Qualified wind energy conversion facility" means a 
        wind energy conversion system that: 
           (1) is located within one county and owned by a natural 
        person who owns the land where the facility is sited, or is a 
        farm-generated wind energy production facility qualifying under 
        section 41B.046, subdivision 1; 
           (2) produces two megawatts or less of electricity as 
        measured by nameplate rating; and 
           (3) begins generating electricity after June 30, 1997, and 
        before July 1, 1999; or 
           (2) begins generating electricity after June 30, 1999, 
        produces two megawatts or less of electricity as measured by 
        nameplate rating, and is: 
           (i) located within one county and owned by a natural person 
        who owns the land where the facility is sited; 
           (ii) owned by a Minnesota small business as defined in 
        section 645.445; 
           (iii) owned by a nonprofit organization; or 
           (iv) owned by a tribal council if the facility is located 
        within the boundaries of the reservation. 
           Sec. 125.  [219.99] [RAILROAD PRAIRIE RIGHTS-OF-WAY; BEST 
        MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.] 
           The commissioner of natural resources shall conduct a field 
        review of railroad rights-of-way to identify native prairie.  
        The priority will be to identify and conduct a field review of 
        any surveys which have been conducted previously, whether by 
        public or private persons, of native prairies within railroad 
        rights-of-way in this state.  In cooperation with railroad 
        companies, the commissioner shall identify management practices 
        used to control vegetation along railroad rights-of-way.  The 
        commissioner shall then assess the impact of those management 
        practices on the prairie lands within the railroad rights-of-way.
        Based on that assessment, the commissioner and railroad 
        companies shall jointly develop voluntary best management 
        practices for prairie lands within railroad rights-of-way. 
           Sec. 126.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 223.17, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [GRAIN BUYERS AND STORAGE FUND; FEES.] The 
        commissioner shall set the fees for inspections under sections 
        223.15 to 223.22 at levels necessary to pay the expenses of 
        administering and enforcing sections 223.15 to 223.22.  These 
        fees may be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of section 
        16A.1285.  
           The fee for any license issued or renewed prior to June 30, 
        1984, is $100.  The fee for any license issued or renewed after 
        June 30, 1984 1997, shall be set according to the following 
        schedule: 
           (a) $100 plus $50 for each additional location for grain 
        buyers whose gross annual purchases are less than 
        $1,500,000 $100,000; 
           (b) $200 plus $50 for each additional location for grain 
        buyers whose gross annual purchases are at least 
        $1,500,000 $100,000, but not more than $3,000,000 $750,000; 
        and 
           (c) $300 plus $50 $100 for each additional location for 
        grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than 
        $3,000,000. $750,000 but not more than $1,500,000; 
           (d) $400 plus $100 for each additional location for grain 
        buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $1,500,000 but 
        not more than $3,000,000; and 
           (e) $500 plus $100 for each additional location for grain 
        buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $3,000,000.  
           There is created in the state treasury the grain buyers and 
        storage fund.  Money collected pursuant to sections 223.15 to 
        223.19 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the 
        grain buyers and storage fund and is appropriated to the 
        commissioner for the administration and enforcement of sections 
        223.15 to 223.22. 
           Sec. 127.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 300.111, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 5.  [WATER QUALITY UTILITIES.] Notwithstanding any 
        contrary provision in subdivision 1, the term "public utility" 
        also means a person, corporation, cooperative, or other legal 
        entity, their lessees, trustees, and receivers who are 
        operating, maintaining, or controlling equipment or facilities 
        to provide water quality treatment and management services, as 
        defined by section 115.58, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).  
        "Public utility" does not include a municipality that owns or 
        operates equipment or facilities for treating wastewater, 
        furnishing potable water or water for geothermal heating and 
        cooling, managing storm water runoff or drainage, or reducing or 
        eliminating water pollution. 
           Sec. 128.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 308A.101, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [WATER QUALITY COOPERATIVE PURPOSE.] A water 
        quality cooperative may only be formed by a cooperative engaged 
        in furnishing potable water or water quality treatment and 
        management services, as defined in section 115.58, subdivision 
        1, paragraph (e), for the purpose of financing or refinancing 
        the construction, improvement, expansion, acquisition, 
        operation, and maintenance of treatment works, sewage systems, 
        storm sewer facilities, water pipelines, and related facilities 
        of its members. 
           Sec. 129.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 308A.201, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 15.  [WATER QUALITY COOPERATIVE CONDEMNATION 
        POWER.] A water quality cooperative organized in this state may 
        exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by 
        state law for the exercise of the power by corporations engaged 
        in the provision of electric, light, heat, power, or telephone 
        service. 
           Sec. 130.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 325E.10, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  "Motor oil" means petroleum based oil used as a 
        lubricant or hydraulics in a transmission or internal combustion 
        engine motor vehicle as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 
        4. 
           Sec. 131.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 325E.10, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 2a.  "Motor oil filter" means any filter used in 
        combination with motor oil. 
           Sec. 132.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 325E.10, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 5.  "Used motor oil filter" means a motor oil filter 
        which through use, storage, or handling has become unsuitable 
        for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or 
        loss of original properties. 
           Sec. 133.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 325E.11, is 
        amended to read: 
           325E.11 [COLLECTION FACILITIES; NOTICE.] 
           (a) Any person selling at retail or offering motor oil or 
        motor oil filters for retail sale in this state shall: 
           (1) post a notice indicating the nearest location where 
        used motor oil and used motor oil filters may be returned at no 
        cost for recycling or reuse, post a toll-free telephone number 
        that may be called by the public to determine a convenient 
        location, or post a listing of locations where used motor oil 
        and used motor oil filters may be returned at no cost for 
        recycling or reuse; or 
           (2) if the person is subject to section 325E.112, post a 
        notice informing customers purchasing motor oil or motor oil 
        filters of the location of the used motor oil and used motor oil 
        filter collection site established by the retailer in accordance 
        with section 325E.112 where used motor oil and used motor oil 
        filters may be returned at no cost. 
           (b) A notice under paragraph (a) shall be posted on or 
        adjacent to the motor oil and motor oil filter displays, be at 
        least 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches in size, contain the universal 
        recycling symbol with the following language: 
           (1) "It is illegal to put used oil and used motor oil 
        filters in the garbage."; 
           (2) "Recycle your used oil and used motor oil filters."; 
        and 
           (3)(i) "There is a free collection site here for your used 
        oil and used motor oil filters."; or 
           (ii) "There is a free collection site for used oil and used 
        motor oil filters located at (name of business and street 
        address)."; 
           (iii) "For the location of a free collection site for used 
        oil and used motor oil filters call (toll-free phone number)."; 
        or 
           (iv) "Here is a list of free collection sites for used oil 
        and used motor oil filters." 
           (c) The division of weights and measures under the 
        department of public service shall enforce compliance with this 
        section as provided in section 239.54.  The pollution control 
        agency shall enforce compliance with this section under sections 
        115.071 and 116.072 in coordination with the division of weights 
        and measures. 
           Sec. 134.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 325E.112, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM.] A contaminated used 
        motor oil reimbursement program is established to provide 
        partial reimbursement of the costs of disposing of contaminated 
        used motor oil.  In order to receive reimbursement, persons who 
        accept used motor oil from the public or parties that they have 
        contracted with to accept used motor oil must provide to the 
        commissioner of the pollution control agency proof of 
        contamination, information on methods the person used to prevent 
        the contamination of used motor oil at the site, a copy of the 
        billing for disposal costs incurred because of the contamination 
        and proof of payment, and a copy of the hazardous waste manifest 
        or shipping paper used to transport the waste.  The commissioner 
        shall reimburse a recipient of contaminated used motor oil 90 
        100 percent of the costs of properly disposing of the 
        contaminated used motor oil.  The commissioner may not reimburse 
        persons who intentionally place contaminants or do not take 
        precautions to prevent contaminants from being placed in used 
        motor oil, or operate a private collection site that: 
           (1) is not publicly promotable or listed with the agency; 
           (2) does not accept up to five gallons of used motor oil 
        and five used motor oil filters per person per day without 
        charging a fee; or 
           (3) does not control access to the site during times when 
        the site is closed. 
           A person operating a collection site may refuse to accept 
        any used motor oil or used motor oil filter: 
           (1) that is from a business; 
           (2) that appears to be contaminated with antifreeze, 
        hazardous waste, or other materials that may increase the cost 
        of used motor oil management and disposal; or 
           (3) when the storage equipment for that particular waste is 
        temporarily filled. 
        Persons operating government collection sites are eligible for 
        reimbursement of the costs of disposing of contaminated used 
        motor oil.  Reimbursements made under this subdivision are 
        limited to the money available in the contaminated used motor 
        oil reimbursement account. 
           Sec. 135.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 394.25, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [DISTRICTS SET BY ZONING ORDINANCES.] Zoning 
        ordinances establishing districts within which the use of land 
        or the use of water or the surface of water pursuant to section 
        86B.205 for agriculture, forestry, recreation, residence, 
        industry, trade, soil conservation, water supply conservation, 
        surface water drainage and removal, conservation of shorelands, 
        as defined in sections 103F.201 to 103F.221, and additional uses 
        of land and of the surface of water pursuant to section 86B.205, 
        may be by official controls encouraged, regulated, or prohibited 
        and for such purpose the board may divide the county into 
        districts of such number, shape, and area as may be deemed best 
        suited to carry out the comprehensive plan.  Official controls 
        may also be applied to wetlands preservation, open space, parks, 
        sewage disposal, protection of groundwater, protection of 
        floodplains as defined in section 103F.111, protection of wild, 
        scenic, or recreational rivers as defined in sections 103F.311 
        and 103F.315, protection of slope, soils, unconsolidated 
        materials or bedrock from potentially damaging development, 
        preservation of forests, woodlands and essential wildlife 
        habitat, reclamation of nonmetallic mining lands; protection and 
        encouragement of access to direct sunlight for solar energy 
        systems as defined in section 216C.06, subdivision 8; and the 
        preservation of agricultural lands.  Official controls may 
        include provisions for purchase of development rights by the 
        board in the form of conservation easements under chapter 84C in 
        areas where preservation is considered by the board to be 
        desirable, and the transfer of development rights from those 
        areas to areas the board considers more desirable for 
        development. 
           Sec. 136.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 394.25, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 3c.  [FEEDLOT ZONING ORDINANCES.] (a) A county 
        proposing to adopt a new feedlot ordinance or amend an existing 
        feedlot ordinance must notify the pollution control agency and 
        commissioner of agriculture at the beginning of the process. 
           (b) Prior to final approval of a feedlot ordinance, a 
        county board may submit a copy of the proposed ordinance to the 
        pollution control agency and to the commissioner of agriculture 
        and request review, comment, and preparation of a report on the 
        environmental and agricultural effects from specific provisions 
        in the ordinance.  
           (c) The report may include: 
           (1) any recommendations for improvements in the ordinance; 
        and 
           (2) the legal, social, economic, or scientific 
        justification for each recommendation under clause (1). 
           (d) A local ordinance that contains a setback for new 
        feedlots from existing residences must also provide for a new 
        residence setback from existing feedlots located in areas zoned 
        agricultural at the same distances and conditions specified in 
        the setback for new feedlots, unless the new residence is built 
        to replace an existing residence.  A county may grant a variance 
        from this requirement under section 394.27, subdivision 7. 
           Sec. 137.  [394.305] [NOTICE OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON 
        CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL LAND.] 
           A person who applies for a permit to construct four or more 
        residential units on a site located on land zoned for 
        agricultural use or on agricultural land in a county that does 
        not have a comprehensive land use or zoning plan shall, not 
        later than ten business days after the application is submitted, 
        provide notice to each owner of agricultural real property 
        within 5,000 feet of the perimeter of the residential 
        development.  The notice may be delivered by first class mail, 
        in person, or by publication in a newspaper of general 
        circulation within the affected area and must include 
        information on the number of residential units. 
           Sec. 138.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 462.357, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [AUTHORITY FOR ZONING.] For the purpose of 
        promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general 
        welfare, a municipality may by ordinance regulate on the earth's 
        surface, in the air space above the surface, and in subsurface 
        areas, the location, height, width, bulk, type of foundation, 
        number of stories, size of buildings and other structures, the 
        percentage of lot which may be occupied, the size of yards and 
        other open spaces, the density and distribution of population, 
        the uses of buildings and structures for trade, industry, 
        residence, recreation, public activities, or other purposes, and 
        the uses of land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, 
        agriculture, forestry, soil conservation, water supply 
        conservation, conservation of shorelands, as defined in sections 
        103F.201 to 103F.221, access to direct sunlight for solar energy 
        systems as defined in section 216C.06, flood control or other 
        purposes, and may establish standards and procedures regulating 
        such uses.  To accomplish these purposes, official controls may 
        include provision for purchase of development rights by the 
        governing body in the form of conservation easements under 
        chapter 84C in areas where the governing body considers 
        preservation desirable and the transfer of development rights 
        from those areas to areas the governing body considers more 
        appropriate for development.  No regulation may prohibit earth 
        sheltered construction as defined in section 216C.06, 
        subdivision 2, relocated residential buildings, or manufactured 
        homes built in conformance with sections 327.31 to 327.35 that 
        comply with all other zoning ordinances promulgated pursuant to 
        this section.  The regulations may divide the surface, above 
        surface, and subsurface areas of the municipality into districts 
        or zones of suitable numbers, shape, and area.  The regulations 
        shall be uniform for each class or kind of buildings, 
        structures, or land and for each class or kind of use throughout 
        such district, but the regulations in one district may differ 
        from those in other districts.  The ordinance embodying these 
        regulations shall be known as the zoning ordinance and shall 
        consist of text and maps.  A city may by ordinance extend the 
        application of its zoning regulations to unincorporated 
        territory located within two miles of its limits in any 
        direction, but not in a county or town which has adopted zoning 
        regulations; provided that where two or more noncontiguous 
        municipalities have boundaries less than four miles apart, each 
        is authorized to control the zoning of land on its side of a 
        line equidistant between the two noncontiguous municipalities 
        unless a town or county in the affected area has adopted zoning 
        regulations.  Any city may thereafter enforce such regulations 
        in the area to the same extent as if such property were situated 
        within its corporate limits, until the county or town board 
        adopts a comprehensive zoning regulation which includes the area.
           Sec. 139.  Laws 1995, chapter 220, section 19, subdivision 
        4, as amended by Laws 1996, chapter 407, section 50, is amended 
        to read: 
        Subd. 4.  Parks and Trails 
        (a) METROPOLITAN REGIONAL 
        PARK SYSTEM                            3,950,000
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund for payment by the commissioner of 
        natural resources to the metropolitan 
        council for subgrants to rehabilitate, 
        develop, acquire, and retrofit the 
        metropolitan regional park system 
        consistent with the metropolitan 
        council regional recreation open space 
        capital improvement program and 
        subgrants for regional trails, 
        consistent with an updated regional 
        trail plan.  $1,666,000 of this 
        appropriation is from the trust fund 
        acceleration. 
        This appropriation may be used for the 
        purchase of homes only if the purchases 
        are expressly included in the work 
        program approved by the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources. 
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by December 
        31, 1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (b) STATE PARK AND RECREATION AREA 
        ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT, BETTERMENT, 
        AND REHABILITATION                     3,150,000
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources as follows:  (1) for state 
        park and recreation area acquisition 
        $1,070,000, of which up to $670,000 may 
        be used for state trail acquisition of 
        a critical nature; (2) for state park 
        and recreation area development 
        $680,000; and (3) for betterment and 
        rehabilitation of state parks and 
        recreation areas $1,400,000.  The use 
        of the Minnesota conservation corps is 
        encouraged in the rehabilitation and 
        development. 
        $1,384,000 of this appropriation is 
        from the trust fund acceleration.  The 
        commissioner must submit grant requests 
        for supplemental funding for federal 
        ISTEA money in eligible categories and 
        report the results to the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources. 
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by December 
        31, 1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (c) STATE TRAIL REHABILITATION 
        AND ACQUISITION                          250,000
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources for state trail plan 
        priorities.  $94,000 of this 
        appropriation is from the trust fund 
        acceleration.  The commissioner must 
        submit grant requests for supplemental 
        funding for federal ISTEA money and 
        report the results to the legislative 
        commission on Minnesota resources. 
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by December 
        31, 1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (d) WATER ACCESS                         600,000
        This appropriation is from the trust 
        fund to the commissioner of natural 
        resources to accelerate public water 
        access acquisition and development 
        statewide.  Access includes boating 
        access, fishing piers, and shoreline 
        access.  Up to $100,000 of this 
        appropriation may be used for a 
        cooperative project to acquire and 
        develop land, local park facilities, an 
        access trail, and a boat access at the 
        LaRue pit otherwise consistent with the 
        water access program. 
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by December 
        31, 1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (e) LOCAL GRANTS                       1,800,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources to provide matching 
        grants, as follows:  (1) $500,000 to 
        local units of government for local 
        park and recreation areas; (2) $500,000 
        to local units of government for 
        natural and scenic areas pursuant to 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019; (3) 
        $400,000 to local units of government 
        for trail linkages between communities, 
        trails, and parks; and (4) $400,000 for 
        a conservation partners program, a 
        statewide pilot to encourage private 
        organizations and local governments to 
        cost share enhancement of fish, 
        wildlife, and native plant habitats; 
        and research and surveys of fish and 
        wildlife, and related education 
        activities.  Conservation partners 
        grants may be up to $10,000 each and 
        must be equally matched.  In addition 
        to the required work program, grants 
        may not be approved until grant 
        proposals to be funded have been 
        submitted to the legislative commission 
        on Minnesota resources and the 
        commission has either made a 
        recommendation or allowed 60 days to 
        pass without making a recommendation.  
        The above appropriations are available 
        half for the metropolitan area as 
        defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 
        473.121, subdivision 2, and half for 
        outside of the metropolitan area.  For 
        the purpose of this paragraph, match 
        includes nonstate contributions either 
        cash or in-kind. 
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by December 
        31, 1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (f) MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND 
        TRAIL CONNECTIONS                        141,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        transportation for half of the 
        nonfederal match of ISTEA projects for 
        the Minneapolis park and recreation 
        board to develop park and trail 
        connections including:  Minnehaha park 
        to Mendota bridge, Stone Arch bridge to 
        bridge number 9 on West River Parkway, 
        Boom island to St. Anthony Parkway, and 
        West River Parkway to Shingle Creek 
        Parkway.  The Minneapolis park and 
        recreation board must apply for and 
        receive approval of the federal money 
        in order to receive this appropriation. 
        This project must be completed and 
        final products delivered by December 
        31, 1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (g) LOCAL SHARE FOR ISTEA 
        FEDERAL PROJECTS                         300,000
        This appropriation is from oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        administration for half of the 
        nonfederal match of ISTEA projects 
        for:  (1) Chisago county, $150,000 for 
        a trail between North Branch and Forest 
        Lake township; and (2) the St. Louis 
        and Lake counties regional rail 
        authority, $150,000 for the development 
        of approximately 40 miles of a 
        multipurpose recreational trail 
        system.  Chisago county and the St. 
        Louis and Lake counties regional rail 
        authority must apply for and receive 
        approval of the federal money in order 
        to receive these appropriations. 
        The project under clause (1) must be 
        completed and final products delivered 
        by December 31, 1997, and the 
        appropriation is available until that 
        date.  The project under clause (2) 
        must be completed and final products 
        delivered by December 31, 1999, and the 
        appropriation is available until that 
        date. 
        (h) PINE POINT PARK REST STATION         100,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        Washington county to construct a rest 
        station on the Gateway segment of the 
        Willard Munger state trail in 
        compliance with the Americans with 
        Disabilities Act.  This appropriation 
        must be matched by at least $30,000 of 
        nonstate money. 
        (i) INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER 
        INFORMATION SYSTEM                        45,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        trade and economic development, office 
        of tourism, for an agreement with 
        Explore Lake County, Inc. to develop a 
        pilot multimedia interactive computer 
        information system at the R. J. Houle 
        visitor information center. 
        (j) UPPER SIOUX AGENCY STATE PARK        200,000
        This appropriation to the commissioner 
        of natural resources is from the future 
        resources fund for bathroom and shower 
        facilities at Upper Sioux Agency State 
        Park. 
        (k) GRAIN BELT MISSISSIPPI 
        RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT                   500,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for a contract with 
        the metropolitan council for a subgrant 
        to the Minneapolis park and recreation 
        board, which shall cooperate with the 
        Minneapolis community development 
        agency to create riverfront 
        recreational park and marina facilities 
        through acquisition and development of 
        Mississippi riverfront property.  This 
        appropriation is contingent on this 
        facility being designated part of the 
        metropolitan regional park and open 
        space system.  
        (l) WILDCAT REGIONAL PARK                 40,000
        This appropriation is from the future 
        resources fund to the commissioner of 
        natural resources for an agreement with 
        Houston county to construct an 
        off-channel boat ramp on the 
        Mississippi River, and wingwalls to 
        protect the ramp and existing swimming 
        beach, and facilities for users of the 
        ramp. 
           Sec. 140.  Laws 1995, chapter 220, section 19, subdivision 
        11, is amended to read: 
        Subd. 11.  Energy 
        (a) INTER-CITY ELECTRIC VEHICLE 
        TRANSPORTATION DEMONSTRATION             150,000 
        This appropriation is from the oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        Minnesota Power and Light Company to 
        develop and evaluate an electric 
        vehicle infrastructure with charging 
        stations for use between Duluth and St. 
        Paul, including installation of a 
        charging station at the state of 
        Minnesota central motor pool location.  
        This appropriation must be matched by 
        at least $30,000 of nonstate money.  
        (b) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF WIND 
        ENERGY ON FAMILY FARMS                   200,000 
        This appropriation is from the oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        the sustainable resources center to 
        provide technical assistance and 
        technology transfer for the development 
        of wind energy harvesting. 
        (c) (b) ONE-MEGAWATT HYBRID ELECTRICAL 
        GENERATION SIMULATION PROJECT             50,000 
        This appropriation is from the oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        Dan Mar & Associates in cooperation 
        with the agriculture utilization 
        research institute for a simulation 
        project using biofuel electrical 
        generation to firm up wind power to 
        provide electrical energy on demand. 
        (d) (c) AVIAN POPULATION ANALYSIS FOR WIND 
        POWER GENERATION REGIONS                  75,000 
        This appropriation is from the oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        American Wind Energy Association to 
        identify and assess significant avian 
        activity areas within identified wind 
        farm corridors in Minnesota.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by at 
        least $75,000 of nonstate money.  This 
        project must be completed and final 
        products delivered by December 31, 
        1997, and the appropriation is 
        available until that date. 
        (e) (d) ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS IN PUBLIC 
        ICE ARENAS                               470,000 
        This appropriation is from the oil 
        overcharge money to the commissioner of 
        administration for an agreement with 
        the Center for Energy and Environment 
        to assess, install, and evaluate energy 
        and indoor air quality improvements in 
        at least 25 publicly owned ice arenas 
        located throughout Minnesota.  Projects 
        receiving funding from this 
        appropriation must be in compliance 
        with the indoor ice facilities prime 
        ice time and gender preference 
        requirements in Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 15.98.  This appropriation is 
        for up to 50 percent of the cost of 
        retrofit activities. 
           Sec. 141.  Laws 1996, chapter 351, section 2, is amended to 
        read: 
           Sec. 2.  [PLAN RECYCLING GOALS AND ACTIONS.] 
           (a) By September 1, 1996, an industry group representing 
        retailers and manufacturers in Minnesota that sell motor oil and 
        motor oil filters shall submit a list to the commissioner of the 
        pollution control agency of all existing current sites that 
        collect used motor oil, used motor oil filters, or both, from 
        the public, delineating which sites collect for free, that can 
        be publicly promoted. 
           (b) By September 1, 1996, an industry group representing 
        retailers and manufacturers that sell motor oil and motor oil 
        filters shall submit to the commissioner of the pollution 
        control agency a plan for a collection and recycling system for 
        used motor oil and used motor oil filters generated by the 
        public under which: 
           (1) at least 90 percent of state residents outside the 
        seven-county metropolitan area would have access to a free 
        collection site for used motor oil and used motor oil filters 
        within 25 miles of their residences; 
           (2) at least 90 percent of state residents within the 
        seven-county metropolitan area and state residents of cities 
        with populations of greater than 2,000 residents would have 
        access to a free collection site for used motor oil and used 
        motor oil filters within five miles of their residences; and 
           (3) at least one free collection site for used motor oil 
        and used motor oil filters generated by the public would be 
        located in each county. 
           (c) The plan required in paragraph (b) must include: 
           (1) an explanation of the proposed system for collecting 
        and recycling used motor oil and used motor oil filters; 
           (2) a clear assignment of responsibility and accountability 
        for implementation; 
           (3) a strategy for educating the parties responsible for 
        implementing the plan; 
           (4) a strategy for educating the public on how to recycle 
        used motor oil and used motor oil filters; 
           (5) a description of government's role, if any; and 
           (6) recommendations for legislation, if necessary. 
           (d) The plan must be implemented by June 1, 1997, and the 
        requirements in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (3), must be met 
        by December 31, 1997.  The industry group must also submit a 
        list of sites that collect used motor oil and used motor oil 
        filters from the public, specifying those sites that collect 
        used motor oil and used motor filters for free, to the pollution 
        control agency by December 31, 1997.  The agency must be 
        informed by the industry group when sites begin and cease to 
        collect, or charge for the collection of, used motor oil and 
        used motor oil filters from the public, in order to allow the 
        agency to provide the public with accurate information regarding 
        collection sites. 
           (e) The industry group and the agency shall monitor the 
        effects of the collection system set forth in the plan required 
        in paragraph (b) to determine whether the requirements in 
        clauses (1) to (3) of that paragraph have been met.  By November 
        1, 1998, the industry group shall submit information to the 
        agency on the amount of used oil and the number of used oil 
        filters collected.  
           Subdivision 1.  (a) The following recycling or reuse goals 
        shall be considered met if the actions in this subdivision are 
        initiated by the identified parties on or before September 1, 
        1997, and are fully completed by December 31, 1998.  
        Additionally, the goals in paragraph (b) must be met in at least 
        50 percent of counties by December 31, 1997; 75 percent by June 
        1, 1998; and 100 percent by December 31, 1998. 
           (b) Motor oil and motor oil filter manufacturers and 
        retailers shall ensure that: 
           (1) at least 90 percent of residents within the 
        seven-county metropolitan area and residents of a city or town 
        with a population greater than 1,500 have access to a free 
        nongovernment collection site for used motor oil and used motor 
        oil filters within five miles of their residences; and 
           (2) at least one free nongovernment collection site for 
        used motor oil and used motor oil filters generated by the 
        public would be located in each county. 
           (c) Motor oil and motor oil filter manufacturers and 
        retailers shall inform the public about environmental problems 
        associated with improper disposal of used motor oil and used 
        motor oil filters and proper disposal practices for used motor 
        oil and used motor oil filters.  At a minimum, this shall 
        include public service announcements designed to reach residents 
        of the state that generate used motor oil and used motor oil 
        filters. 
           (d) The commissioner of the pollution control agency shall, 
        by December 31, 1997, and at least annually thereafter or more 
        frequently if deemed necessary, request motor oil and motor oil 
        filter manufacturers and retailers, persons who haul used motor 
        oil and used motor oil filters, and nongovernment persons who 
        accept used motor oil and used motor oil filters from the public 
        to provide an updated list of all existing sites that collect 
        used motor oil, used motor oil filters, or both, from the 
        public, delineating for public promotion which sites collect for 
        free.  The commissioner shall use this information to determine 
        whether the parties identified in paragraph (b) have met the 
        goals listed in that paragraph.  A collection site operated by 
        the state or a political subdivision, as defined in Minnesota 
        Statutes, section 115A.03, subdivision 24, may be counted 
        towards meeting recycling goals, provided that the parties 
        responsible for meeting the goals of this subdivision 
        voluntarily reimburse the state or political subdivision for all 
        of the costs at that collection site that are associated with 
        used motor oil and used motor oil filter recycling.  Persons who 
        accept used motor oil and used motor oil filters from the public 
        shall cooperate with manufacturers and retailers of motor oil 
        and motor oil filters to inform the agency within ten days of 
        initiating or ceasing to collect used motor oil or used motor 
        oil filters from the public.  The information shall be provided 
        in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner. 
           (e) Motor oil filter manufacturers shall disclose to 
        retailers whether lead has been intentionally introduced in 
        manufacturing, and retailers shall not knowingly sell motor oil 
        filters containing lead intentionally introduced in 
        manufacturing. 
           Subd. 2.  The commissioner of the pollution control agency 
        may appoint an advisory group of diverse interests to assist the 
        agency with experimentation with various approaches to public 
        education, financial incentives, waste management, and other 
        issues that might affect the effectiveness of recycling 
        efforts.  The commissioner may request parties responsible for 
        meeting the recycling goals in subdivision 1 to voluntarily pay 
        for some of the experimentation costs.  The existence of this 
        advisory group in no way relieves the parties identified in 
        subdivision 1 of responsibility for meeting the goals listed in 
        that subdivision.  The commissioner of the pollution control 
        agency shall appoint an advisory group chair. 
           (f) Subd. 3.  By January 15, 1999, the commissioner of the 
        pollution control agency shall report to the environment and 
        natural resources committees of the senate and the house of 
        representatives on the amount of used motor oil and used motor 
        oil filters being recycled and whether the requirements goals in 
        paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (3), subdivision 1 have been met 
        and recommend whether the mandate for retailers of motor oil and 
        filters described in Minnesota Statutes, section 325E.112, 
        subdivision 1, is needed to achieve the recycling goals. 
           Sec. 142.  Laws 1996, chapter 463, section 7, subdivision 
        24, is amended to read: 
        Subd. 24.  McQuade Public Access                        500,000
        For acquisition and development of a 
        public access on Lake Superior in the 
        city of Duluth, the town of Duluth, and 
        the town of Lakewood.  This 
        appropriation must be matched by a 
        total of $350,000 from the iron range 
        resources and rehabilitation board 
        and $200,000 of this appropriation is 
        available without match and the 
        remaining $300,000 is available to the 
        extent matched by nonstate sources and 
        is contingent on sufficient land owned 
        by the cities and the town, the value 
        of which may not be applied as part of 
        the required match, being made 
        available to complete the project. 
           Sec. 143.  [AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS; WIND ENERGY 
        CONVERSION FACILITY PILOT PROGRAM.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [LOANS AUTHORIZED.] The Minnesota rural 
        finance authority shall establish a pilot program to participate 
        in loans to an eligible borrower through the agricultural 
        improvement loan program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        41B.043, for wind energy conversion facilities.  Except as 
        specifically provided in subdivision 2, all loans made under 
        this section must comply with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41B. 
           Subd. 2.  [LOAN PARTICIPATION; REPAYMENT; LIFETIME LIMIT 
        EXCLUSION.] Participation by the authority under this section is 
        limited to a total of $3,000,000.  The authority is limited on a 
        particular loan to 45 percent of the principal amount or 
        $500,000, whichever is less.  A loan must have a term of no more 
        than 20 years.  Loans under this section must not be included in 
        the lifetime limitation calculated under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 41B.03, subdivision 1.  A loan origination fee of up to 
        one-half percent may be charged by the authority. 
           Subd. 3.  [REPORT.] By January 15, 1999, the rural finance 
        authority must report to the senate committee on agriculture and 
        rural development, the senate environment and agriculture budget 
        division, the house committee on agriculture, and the house 
        committee on environmental finance on the status of loans made 
        under this pilot program.  The report must include 
        recommendations on whether to make permanent changes to the 
        agricultural improvement loan program that allow for increased 
        participation by the state in wind energy conversion facility 
        loans. 
           Sec. 144.  [DEER WINTER SURVIVAL WORK GROUP.] 
           The section of wildlife of the department of natural 
        resources, representatives of the Minnesota Deer Hunters 
        Association, and representatives of other groups or individuals 
        interested in deer hunting and deer management in this state 
        shall meet as a work group to develop recommendations on deer 
        feeding and other deer management options to provide for 
        management of deer and deer winter survival in this state. 
           The work group shall develop a plan for deer management in 
        winter that provides recommendations on deer management and 
        feeding needs.  The work group shall examine and make reports on 
        the following: 
           (1) when and where deer feeding may be appropriate; 
           (2) appropriate funding mechanisms, criteria, and delivery 
        systems when feeding is determined to be appropriate; 
           (3) other winter-related deer management needs and 
        practices, such as food plots, wintering area identification and 
        protection, deer yard improvement, browse regeneration, 
        openings, and other deer foraging areas; and 
           (4) needs for improving understanding of deer wintering 
        requirements and management practices.  The work group shall 
        recommend any statutory changes or funding necessary to 
        accomplish those needs. 
           The work group shall operate on a consensus basis and shall 
        report its recommendations back to the house and senate 
        environment and natural resources committees, the house 
        environment and natural resources finance committee, and the 
        senate environment and agriculture budget division by January 
        15, 1998. 
           Sec. 145.  [ELECTRONIC LICENSING; RETRAINING OF AFFECTED 
        STATE EMPLOYEES.] 
           (a) If any employees of the department of natural resources 
        are affected by the implementation of Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 84.027, subdivision 15, the commissioner shall meet and 
        negotiate with the exclusive representatives of the affected 
        employees.  Bargaining under this section must have as its 
        purpose the achievement of the highest possible degree of public 
        service delivery to the citizens of Minnesota and the provision 
        of appropriate incentives to any affected state employees.  
        Incentives may include, but are not limited to, early retirement 
        incentives, negotiated options in place of layoffs, job training 
        and retraining opportunities, and enhanced severance. 
           (b) The commissioner and the representatives of any 
        employees affected by the implementation of Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 84.027, subdivision 15, shall determine the employee 
        training and retraining required for any employees affected by 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 84.027, subdivision 15.  Employees 
        whose job duties are affected by Minnesota Statutes, section 
        84.027, subdivision 15, must be given the opportunity to take 
        part in training or retraining for new job duties.  Employees 
        affected by Minnesota Statutes, section 84.027, subdivision 15, 
        must be trained or retrained for agency positions before new 
        hiring takes place. 
           Sec. 146.  [SALE OF STATE FOREST LAND.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 89.01, 
        subdivision 5, the commissioner of natural resources may sell 
        school trust and acquired state land in the Richard J. Dorer 
        Memorial Hardwood State Forest described in this section in the 
        manner for sale of trust fund and acquired lands under Minnesota 
        Statutes, chapter 92 or 94. 
           (b) The land that may be sold is described as follows: 
           (1) Township 110 North, Range 12 West, Section 28, the 
        Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter containing 40 acres 
        more or less and the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter 
        containing 40 acres more or less, in Wabasha County; 
           (2) Township 107 North, Range 8 West, Section 16, the 
        Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter containing 40 acres 
        more or less, the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter 
        containing 40 acres more or less, in Winona County; 
           (3) Township 106 North, Range 5 West, Section 30, the 
        Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter containing 40 acres 
        more or less, in Winona County; 
           (4) Township 106 North, Range 6 West, Section 36, the 
        Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter containing 40 acres 
        more or less, in Winona County; and 
           (5) Township 104 North, Range 6 West, Section 6, the 
        Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter containing 38.28 
        acres more or less, in Houston County. 
           Sec. 147.  [SALE OF TRUST FUND LAND IN HUBBARD COUNTY.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 92.45, the 
        commissioner of natural resources may sell the state trust fund 
        land bordering on public waters described in paragraph (c) in 
        accordance with the procedures in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 92.
           (b) The conveyance shall be in a form approved by the 
        attorney general. 
           (c) The land that may be sold is located in Hubbard County 
        and is described as:  that part of the Southeast Quarter of the 
        Southeast Quarter of Section 8, Township 144 North, Range 32 
        West, Hubbard County, Minnesota, lying easterly of the Necktie 
        River and northerly of the centerline of county state-aid 
        highway No. 16, containing up to 5 acres, more or less. 
           (d) The sale will result in the elimination of a trespass 
        situation with the adjacent landowner who built a house on the 
        property in 1989. 
           Sec. 148.  [SALE OF STATE LAND IN OTTER TAIL COUNTY.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding the public sale requirements of 
        Minnesota Statutes, sections 94.09 and 94.10, the commissioner 
        of natural resources may sell by private sale, for a 
        consideration not less than its appraised value, the land 
        described in paragraph (c), under the remaining provisions of 
        Minnesota Statutes, chapter 94. 
           (b) The conveyance shall be in a form approved by the 
        attorney general. 
           (c) The land that may be sold is located in Otter Tail 
        County and is described as:  all that part of the Southwest 
        Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 22, Township 137, 
        Range 42, Otter Tail County, Minnesota described as follows:  
        beginning at the South Quarter corner of said Section 22; thence 
        on an assumed bearing of North 0 degrees 31 minutes 36 seconds 
        East along the west line of said Southwest Quarter of the 
        Southeast Quarter, a distance of 442.58 feet; thence South 19 
        degrees 29 minutes 47 seconds East a distance of 108.74 feet; 
        thence southeasterly on a tangential curve, concave to the 
        northeast, having a radius of 498.22 feet and a central angle of 
        69 degrees 43 minutes 29 seconds, for an arc distance of 606.30 
        feet to the easterly line of a tract of land described in Book 
        392 of Deeds, page 509, Office of the Otter Tail County 
        Recorder; thence South 10 degrees 03 minutes 49 seconds West 
        along said easterly line, a distance of 14.18 feet to the 
        southeast corner of said tract of land described in Book 392 of 
        Deeds, page 509; thence North 89 degrees 20 minutes 11 seconds 
        West along the south line of said Section 22, a distance of 
        500.80 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.44 acres 
        more or less, subject to easements and reservations of public 
        record, if any.  The grantor, for itself, its successors and 
        assigns, reserves an easement for use and maintenance of the 
        existing ditch over and across the above described parcel, being 
        a strip of land 33 feet in width lying 16.5 feet on each side of 
        the centerline of the existing ditch running in a southwesterly 
        direction from the township road to the west line of said 
        Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter. 
           (d) The commissioner has determined that the land is no 
        longer useful for any natural resource purpose, or any other 
        public purpose, and intends to sell this unneeded land to the 
        adjoining landowner to resolve an inadvertent trespass. 
           Sec. 149.  [SALE OF STATE LAND IN CROW WING COUNTY.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 92.45, the 
        commissioner of natural resources may sell acquired state land 
        bordering public waters described in this section in accordance 
        with Minnesota Statutes, section 85.015, subdivision 1, 
        paragraph (b), and chapter 94. 
           (b) The land that may be sold is located in Crow Wing 
        County and is described as follows: 
           (1) Lot 3, Block 5, Plat of Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa 
        Addition; and 
           (2) Lot 5, Block 5, Plat of Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa 
        Addition. 
           Sec. 150.  [SALE OF SURPLUS LAND FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES 
        IN PINE COUNTY.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 92.45, the 
        commissioner of natural resources may sell the land described in 
        paragraph (b) to the city of Willow River in the manner 
        prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, section 84.027, subdivision 
        10.  The conveyance must provide that the land revert to the 
        state of Minnesota should the land cease to be retained and 
        developed as Stanton Lake Park for public use. 
           (b) The land that may be sold is located in Pine county and 
        described as: 
           All that part of the following described tract:  that part 
        of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 2, 
        Township 44 North, Range 20 West, of the Fourth Principal 
        Meridian, situated in Pine County, described as follows:  
        beginning at a point on the east and west one quarter line of 
        Section 2 at the intersection with the easterly right-of-way 
        line of U.S. Highway No. 61; thence in a southerly direction 
        along said easterly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 61 a 
        distance of 695 feet; thence in a northeasterly direction at an 
        angle of 60 degrees with the U.S. Highway No. 61 right-of-way 
        line for a distance of 410 feet to a point on the lake bank; 
        thence in a northeasterly direction at an angle of 153 degrees 
        35 minutes with the preceding line to the intersection with the 
        east and west one quarter line of Section 2, thence in a 
        westerly direction along said east and west one quarter line of 
        Section 2 to point of beginning, containing 5.81 acres, more or 
        less.  
           (c) This property was purchased for development of the 
        Stanton Lake dam.  The state, its agents, and servants shall 
        retain ownership of the dam and retain perpetual access to the 
        dam via the existing road for the purposes of inspection, 
        maintenance, repair, or reconstruction.  The state shall not be 
        held liable to make any immediate repairs on the dam.  Such work 
        shall be based on availability of dam maintenance funds.  The 
        land in this section is not needed for resource management and 
        has been declared surplus.  It best serves the public interest 
        if this property is sold and proceeds used for acquisition of 
        other land. 
           Sec. 151.  [HORSESHOE BAY LEASES.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITIONS.] (a) "Lessee" means a lessee 
        of lands leased under Minnesota Statutes, section 92.46, that 
        are located in Section 16, Township 62 North, Range 4 East, Cook 
        County, of record with the commissioner of natural resources as 
        of May 14, 1993. 
           (b) "New lease" means a lease issued after the effective 
        date of this act under the terms and conditions specified in 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 92.46, subdivisions 1, 1a, and 3, 
        except that the lease may be for a life term and is not 
        assignable or transferable and may not be amended to include 
        additional lessees. 
           Subd. 2.  [OPTIONS FOR LESSEES.] (a) If requested in 
        writing by a lessee before January 1, 1998, the commissioner 
        shall, at the lessee's option: 
           (1) pay to the lessee the appraised value of the lessee's 
        improvements on the land and terminate the existing lease as of 
        the date of payment for improvements; or 
           (2) issue a new lease for the life of the lessee that 
        provides that when the lease term expires, the commissioner 
        shall pay to the lessee or a beneficiary that must be designated 
        in writing by the lessee the appraised value of the lessee's 
        improvements on the land.  A lessee who elects this option may 
        elect to terminate the lease at any time during the term of the 
        lease in exchange for payment by the commissioner for the 
        appraised value of the lessee's improvements on the land. 
           (b) If the commissioner has not received written notice of 
        a lessee's election by January 1, 1998, the commissioner may 
        proceed under paragraph (a), clause (1). 
           (c) After the effective date of this section, no lessee 
        under paragraph (a), clause (2), shall construct or remodel, 
        other than necessary for maintenance and upkeep, a cabin or 
        other structure during the lease. 
           (d) The commissioner may use money appropriated from the 
        land acquisition account under Minnesota Statutes, section 
        94.165, for payments under paragraph (a). 
           (e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 92.46, 
        subdivision 1a, the commissioner may elect whether to amend the 
        leases in paragraph (a) to expand lot size to conform with 
        current shoreline standards. 
           Sec. 152.  [PRIVATE SALE OF STATE LAND IN CLEARWATER 
        COUNTY.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 92.45; 
        97A.135, subdivision 2a; and 282.01, subdivision 2; and the 
        public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 94, the 
        commissioner of natural resources may sell the land described in 
        paragraph (c) to the adjoining landowner for $1,000. 
           (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the 
        attorney general and must provide that: 
           (1) the land may not be sold for commercial use or be 
        developed into more than a two-family residence; and 
           (2) placement or construction of additional buildings or 
        structures on the land, including corrals and animal shelters or 
        pens, is prohibited. 
           (c) The land that may be sold is located in Clearwater 
        county and is described as follows: 
           That part of Government Lot 6, Section 18, Township 143 
        North, Range 37 West, Clearwater County, Minnesota, described as 
        follows: 
           Beginning at the northeast corner of Lot 1 Block 1 of 
        HIGHLAND VIEW, on file and of record in the office of the County 
        Recorder, being a 3/4 x 24 inch rebar with plastic cap stamped 
        MN DNR PROPERTY MONUMENT, (DNR MON), from which the north line 
        of said Lot 1 bears, assumed bearing, North 88 degrees 57 
        minutes 39 seconds West; thence North 80 degrees 50 minutes 33 
        seconds West 275.16 feet to a DNR MON; thence North 85 degrees 
        25 minutes 17 seconds West 93.89 feet to a DNR MON; thence South 
        50 degrees 06 minutes 54 seconds West 68.17 feet to the north 
        line of said Lot 1 and a DNR MON; thence South 88 degrees 57 
        minutes 39 seconds East along the north line of said Lot 1 a 
        distance of 417.62 feet to the point of beginning, containing 
        0.23 acres. 
           (d) The sale authorized by this section would resolve an 
        inadvertent trespass consisting of the encroachment of a private 
        dwelling on state land. 
           (e) The sale authorized by this section is subject to the 
        following additional conditions: 
           (1) the costs of construction and maintenance of a boundary 
        fence are the sole responsibility of the purchaser; and 
           (2) the adjoining landowner shall reimburse the department 
        of natural resources for the cost of surveying the land and for 
        time spent by department staff relating to this land trespass 
        matter. 
           Sec. 153.  [LOAN FORGIVENESS.] 
           The outstanding balance of the loan to the city of Fridley 
        for reconstruction of the Locke Lake dam, that was appropriated 
        in Laws 1991, chapter 254, article 1, section 5, subdivision 3, 
        is canceled and forgiven. 
           Sec. 154.  [PROTECTION OF OLD GROWTH FOREST AREA.] 
           The commissioner of natural resources shall negotiate with 
        the city of Duluth, the Duluth Airport Authority, and other 
        federal, state, and local parties to identify and delineate the 
        land subject to the 1939 conveyance on Minnesota Point and 
        develop a management plan that will provide a level of 
        protection sufficient to ensure the continued ecological 
        integrity of the area and to prohibit further cutting of the old 
        growth forest area. 
           Sec. 155.  [REPORT BY OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE.] 
           By January 20, 1998, the office of environmental assistance 
        shall report to the senate and house of representatives 
        environment and natural resources committees on its 
        comprehensive review of the Waste Management Act and make 
        recommendations for any changes in the law.  The report shall 
        address options to improve waste reduction and recycling 
        programs and the integrated waste management system, including 
        whether additional product labeling should be required for 
        products sold in Minnesota which require special disposal 
        practices.  The report must include a recommendation concerning 
        whether consumer education efforts can improve disposal 
        practices and waste reduction efforts.  The report must discuss 
        the extent to which current authority under Minnesota Statutes, 
        sections 115A.952 and 115A.956, can accomplish the objectives of 
        Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 115A.9523. 
           Sec. 156.  [JOINT DITCH NO. 1, CHISAGO AND WASHINGTON 
        COUNTIES.] 
           Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 103E.811, the 
        counties of Chisago and Washington may, after making a 
        determination that joint ditch no. 1 is not of public benefit 
        and utility, order its abandonment. 
           Sec. 157.  [LANDFILL CLEANUP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY STUDY.] 
           By January 15, 1998, the commissioner of the pollution 
        control agency shall report to the senate environment and 
        agriculture budget division and the house environment and 
        natural resources finance committee regarding the estimated 
        impact of including permitted mixed municipal solid waste 
        landfills in this state that are open for the period between 
        April 9, 1994, and January 15, 1998, in the landfill cleanup 
        program after the landfills close. 
           The report must include: 
           (1) information on past settlements by public entities that 
        may be included with an expansion of the program; 
           (2) an estimate of the environmental response costs at the 
        permitted landfills that would become eligible to participate; 
           (3) a discussion of the amount necessary to pay for 
        reimbursement for persons who have paid for cleanup at these 
        added sites; and 
           (4) an analysis and recommendation of funding sources to 
        pay for the additional costs due to expansion of the program.  
           Sec. 158.  [YEAR 2000 READY.] 
           Any computer software or hardware that is purchased with 
        money appropriated in this bill must be year 2000 ready. 
           Sec. 159.  [REPORT TO LEGISLATURE; HYDROGEN SULFIDE 
        VIOLATIONS.] 
           The commissioner of the pollution control agency shall 
        report on the agency's efforts to resolve the hydrogen sulfide 
        violations of ambient air quality standards related to feedlots 
        by February 1, 1998, to the agriculture and environment and 
        natural resources committees of the house and the agriculture 
        and rural development and environment and natural resources 
        committees of the senate.  The report must specify actions taken 
        in terms of response to complaints from citizens, emissions 
        monitoring, compliance actions taken, including penalties, and 
        equipment purchased. 
           Sec. 160.  [REPEALER.] 
           (a) Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 25.34; 115A.908, 
        subdivision 3; 115A.9523; 115B.223; 115B.224; 116.991; 116.992; 
        and 296.02, subdivision 7a, are repealed. 
           (b) Laws 1995, chapter 77, section 3, is repealed effective 
        the day after final enactment. 
           (c) Laws 1995, chapter 220, section 21, is repealed. 
           Sec. 161.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
           Sections 72, 130 to 134, 141, and 146 to 152 are effective 
        the day following final enactment.  
           Sections 24, 83, 89, and 90 are effective March 1, 1998. 
           Presented to the governor May 27, 1997 
           Signed by the governor May 30, 1997, 1:00 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes