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

CHAPTER 226--H.F.No. 1874

An act

relating to natural resources; appropriating money from environment and natural resources trust fund; modifying provisions for Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources; modifying requirements for land acquisition with trust fund money;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 116P.17; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116P.05, subdivision 3.

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

Section 1.

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this act. The appropriations are from the environment and natural resources trust fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2014" and "2015" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, or June 30, 2015, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2014. "The second year" is fiscal year 2015. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2014 and 2015. new text end

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
new text begin Available for the Year new text end
new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
new text begin 2014 new text end new text begin 2015 new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin MINNESOTA RESOURCES new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end new text begin -0- new text end new text begin $ new text end new text begin 28,970,000 new text end
new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin 2014 new text end new text begin 2015 new text end
new text begin Environment and natural resources trust fund new text end new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 28,970,000 new text end

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

new text begin Appropriations are available for two years beginning July 1, 2014, unless otherwise stated in the appropriation. Any unencumbered balance remaining in the first year does not cancel and is available for the second year. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definition new text end

new text begin "Trust fund" means the Minnesota environment and natural resources trust fund referred to in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.02, subdivision 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Water Resources new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 4,579,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Solar-Driven Destruction of Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals, and Contaminants in Water new text end

new text begin $291,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify the solar-driven destruction of contaminants reacting with dissolved organic matter to optimize water treatment methods and guide reuse. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Methods to Protect Beneficial Bacteria from Contaminants to Preserve Water Quality new text end

new text begin $279,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to research how and why bacteria that provide ecological functions humans depend on for water quality are affected by exposure to certain man-made perfluorinated chemicals entering the wastewater treatment system in order to identify methods that can be implemented to protect those bacterial functions from being degraded. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Triclosan Impacts on Wastewater Treatment new text end

new text begin $380,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the role of the commercially used antibacterial agent triclosan in creating antibiotic resistant bacteria during the municipal wastewater treatment process. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Evaluation of Wastewater Nitrogen and Estrogen Treatment Options new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to examine the performance of new wastewater contaminant treatment options under Minnesota weather conditions in order to understand how to improve wastewater treatment of nitrogen and estrogenic compounds, decrease costs and energy use, and safeguard aquatic species. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Antibiotics and Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Minnesota Lakes new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify the relationship between antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Minnesota lakes to determine if improved wastewater treatment is necessary to protect human and aquatic health. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Impacts of Estrogen Exposure on Minnesota's Shallow Lake Wildlife new text end

new text begin $136,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the University of St. Thomas to use biological samples already gathered from shallow lakes across Minnesota to determine the environmental estrogen exposure impacts on aquatic wildlife in shallow lakes for enhanced land and lake management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Watershed-Scale Monitoring of Long-Term Best Management Practice Effectiveness new text end

new text begin $900,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices in reducing sediment and nutrient loads at watershed scales over long time periods. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

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

new text begin $394,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geological Survey to test methods of defining properties of confined drinking water aquifers in order to improve water management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Watershed Water Budgets for Managing Minnesota's Groundwater new text end

new text begin $129,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geological Survey to create a pilot study to calculate complete watershed water budgets for two counties in Minnesota for enhanced groundwater management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (j) Identifying Causes of Exceptionally High Mercury in Fish new text end

new text begin $743,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to quantify the probable causes of high mercury levels in fish within the Roseau River and two tributaries of the Red River of the North by comparing mercury movements within watersheds to understand the drivers of mercury biomagnifications in the food web of rivers with similarly high mercury levels and to guide further mercury reduction initiatives. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (k) Reducing Lake Quality Impairments through Citizen Action new text end

new text begin $59,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Freshwater Society to train lake associations and other stakeholder groups to develop lake management plans and to implement science-based, citizen-led water quality improvement projects on impaired lakes in west central Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (l) Rainwater Reuse and Valuation Investigation new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to design, install, and monitor a rainwater reuse system for use in evaporative chiller systems and identify other potential applications for rainwater reuse systems. new text end

new text begin (m) Measuring Hydrologic Benefits from Glacial Ridge Habitat Restoration new text end

new text begin $168,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Red Lake Watershed District and the United States Geological Survey for completion of the analysis of flooding and water-quality benefits resulting from wetland and prairie restorations at Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 2,298,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Blocking Bighead, Silver, and Other Invasive Carp by Optimizing Lock and Dams new text end

new text begin $854,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to collaborate with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to develop ways, including new technologies, to modify the operations of Lock and Dam Numbers 2 to 8 to optimize their ability to impede invasive carp movement into the Minnesota, St. Croix, and Mississippi Rivers. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Bioacoustics to Detect, Deter, and Eliminate Silver Carp new text end

new text begin $262,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota-Duluth to develop bioacoustic technology for detection and early warning systems, capture and elimination methods, and deterrent systems for silver carp. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Northwest Minnesota Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pilot new text end

new text begin $219,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Red River Basin Commission to develop aquatic invasive species prevention strategies on a watershed scale and develop materials to sustain watershed scale decision-making and implementation. This initiative must be coordinated with the Department of Natural Resources and outdoor heritage fund activities for locally based invasive species control. Specific reporting and analysis of outcomes and findings of this alternative approach must be provided to enable duplication in other regions of the state. new text end

new text begin (d) Biosurveillance and Biocontrol of Emerald Ash Borer - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $447,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of agriculture in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to continue to monitor ash tree and emerald ash borer populations and expand the biological control implementation for emerald ash borer management. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Mountain Pine Beetle Invasive Threat to Minnesota's Pines new text end

new text begin $175,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and $75,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of agriculture to survey for the presence and characterize the potential risk of the invasive mountain pine beetle to Minnesota's pine forests to inform early detection and rapid response. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Monitoring and Biocontrol Evaluation new text end

new text begin $99,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of agriculture and $167,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to monitor for brown marmorated stink bugs to identify problem areas, target biocontrol efforts, and evaluate the suitability of candidate biological control agents for use in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 4,210,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Update Statewide Land Cover Use Map new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to update Minnesota's land cover data at moderate spatial resolution statewide and at high resolution for selected areas, distribute products, and provide training. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) State Spring Inventory for Resource Management and Protection new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to develop necessary protocols, processes, and definitions of springs along with limited field testing of inventory procedures in priority areas to enable a systematic inventory of springs statewide needed to maintain spring flows and protect groundwater-dependent resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Drainage Records Modernization and Statewide Geographic Information System Database new text end

new text begin $230,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to develop a template and Web-based geographic information system (GIS) database portal to facilitate statewide modernization of public drainage records under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103E, and integrate new specifications into existing drainage records modernization guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Restoring Forest Inventory Data new text end

new text begin $100,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to obtain and restore statewide forest inventories of 1935, 1953, and 1966 to link with more recent data to improve understanding of historical forest trends and enhance long-term ecological monitoring. new text end

new text begin (e) Assessing Species Vulnerability to Climate Change Using Phenology new text end

new text begin $175,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to compile and use historical datasets to assess change over time in the ecology of Minnesota species, identify vulnerable species, and inform management strategies for climate change. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas - Final Phase new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Audubon Minnesota to complete a statewide survey of Minnesota's breeding bird distributions through final analysis, preparation, and dissemination of information collected on an ongoing basis since 2008 on breeding birds in the state. The completed atlas must be available for download from the Internet free of charge. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Assessing Contaminants in Minnesota's Loons and Pelicans - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $260,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue to assess the potential impact of petroleum, dispersants, and heavy metal contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on the wintering habitat of Minnesota's common loons and white pelicans using radiotelemetry, geolocators, and contaminant analysis. new text end

new text begin (h) Sandhill Crane Populations and Management in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to delineate population boundaries, habitat use relative to crop depredation, and migration patterns and survival of Minnesota's two populations of sandhill cranes, Mid-continent and Eastern. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Wild Bee Pollinator Surveys in Prairie-Grassland Habitats new text end

new text begin $370,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to assess the current status and distribution of wild bee pollinators in prairie-grassland habitats of Minnesota. new text end

new text begin (j) Imperiled Prairie Butterfly Conservation, Research, and Breeding Program new text end

new text begin $380,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden and $245,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to prevent the extirpation and possible extinction of imperiled native Minnesota butterfly species through breeding, genetics and mortality research, inventory, monitoring, and public education. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (k) Conserving Minnesota's Native Freshwater Mussels new text end

new text begin $350,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota in cooperation with Macalester College to document native freshwater mussel abundance and distribution, quantify environmental conditions necessary to conserve Minnesota's native freshwater mussels, and conduct outreach to local organizations and the public. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (l) Impacts of Forest Quality on Declining Minnesota Moose new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources to link regional patterns of moose abundance through time to the distribution of food and cover and determine if this distribution affects the diet and survival of individual moose. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (m) Moose Decline and Air Temperatures in Northeastern Minnesota new text end

new text begin $600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to study the physiology and behavior of adult moose and effects of female condition on calf production and survival to determine the impact of air temperature on moose population performance and decline. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (n) Expansion of Minnesota Wildflowers Online Botanical Reference new text end

new text begin $150,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Wildflowers Information to accelerate field work for surveying and imaging of plant species and publication of species profiles to a plant identification reference Web site available to the public and land managers. Images acquired and information compiled using these funds are for purposes of public information available on a Web site. If the organization is no longer able to maintain the Web site, the organization shall work with the state and the University of Minnesota Bell Museum of Natural History to ensure the materials remain publicly available on the Web. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 3,675,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Enhancing Pollinator Landscapes new text end

new text begin $864,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify sources of nectar and pollen for native pollinators and honey bees and coordinate ongoing and future efforts to enhance pollinator habitat and opportunities for pollinator nesting and foraging. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Understanding Systemic Insecticides as Protection Strategy for Bees new text end

new text begin $326,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to continue research on how native bee and honey bee colonies are impacted by systemic, neonicotinyl insecticides in pollen and nectar of plants growing in fields and landscapes. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Prairie Sustainability Through Seed Storage, Beneficial Microbes, and Adaptation new text end

new text begin $600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to collect and preserve germplasm of plants throughout Minnesota's prairie region, study the microbial effects that promote plant health, analyze local adaptation, and evaluate the adaptive capacity of prairie plant populations. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Northeast Minnesota White Cedar Restoration – Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $335,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to continue an assessment of the decline of northern white cedar plant communities in northeast Minnesota, demonstrate restoration techniques, and provide cedar restoration training to local units of government. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Southeast Minnesota Watershed Protection Plan new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Nature Conservancy to provide a framework and plans for the protection and stewardship of unimpaired waters in southeast Minnesota. The result will be a template for watershed protection in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Upland and Shoreline Restoration in Greater Metropolitan Area new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to restore and enhance upland, shoreline, and approximately 150 acres of forests, woodlands, savanna, and prairie and to provide related educational opportunities for volunteers in the greater metropolitan area. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Prairie, Forest, and Savanna Restoration in Greater Metropolitan Area new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Friends of the Mississippi River to restore approximately 150 acres of prairie, forests, and oak savanna in the greater metropolitan area. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (h) Nutrient Capture through Water Management and Biomass Harvesting new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Red River Basin Commission to evaluate the potential capture of excess nutrients using cattails grown and harvested within shallow flood reservoirs for bioenergy use. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (i) Cattail Management for Wetland Wildlife and Bioenergy Potential new text end

new text begin $74,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston to evaluate different management techniques for cattail control and related wildlife impacts in northwest Minnesota and to assess the use of cattails as a biofuel feedstock. new text end

new text begin (j) Dredged Sediment for Forest Restoration on Unproductive Minelands new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota–Duluth for the Natural Resources Research Institute to restore up to 136 acres of unproductive mine stockpile while improving the treatment of municipal sewage and biosolids near Virginia using clean Erie Pier dredged sediment and managed forestry techniques. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (k) Expansion of Greenhouse Production new text end

new text begin $176,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Silver Bay to expand and enhance a city-owned greenhouse facility to increase system production for locally grown food on a year-round basis and reduce water usage. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 6,923,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition, Restoration, Improvement, and Citizen Engagement new text end

new text begin $2,540,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire lands with high-quality native plant communities and rare features to be established as scientific and natural areas as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5, restore and improve parts of scientific and natural areas, and provide technical assistance and outreach. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards, as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Metropolitan Regional Park System Acquisition new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Metropolitan Council for grants for the acquisition of lands within the approved park unit boundaries of the metropolitan regional park system. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of habitable residential structures. A list of proposed fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. This appropriation must be matched by at least 40 percent of nonstate money that must be committed by December 31, 2014, or the appropriation cancels. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (c) Mesabi Trail Development – Soudan to Ely Segment new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Rail Authority for the right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction of segments of the Mesabi Trail totaling approximately 11 miles east of Soudan towards Ely. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Shoreland Acquisition on St. Croix River new text end

new text begin $1,250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Washington County to purchase 15 acres, encompassing 3,500 feet of St. Croix shoreland paralleling Brown's Creek State Trail in the city of Stillwater. The county will transfer the parcel to the city of Stillwater. This appropriation is contingent on the expenditure of at least $2,500,000 of nonstate match. new text end

new text begin (e) Martin County Park and Natural Area Acquisition new text end

new text begin $435,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Fox Lake Conservation League, Inc. and Martin County to acquire approximately 40 acres in Martin County, including a ten-acre prairie remnant to be owned and managed by Martin County as part of its park system. A vegetation management plan must be developed and implemented and public access must be provided to the native prairie remnant. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Minnesota River Water Trailhead and Landing in Morton new text end

new text begin $198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Morton to transform a municipal parcel from a compost site into a Minnesota River water trailhead and landing and to design and build interpretative trails around the landing complex. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 3,360,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Solar Cell Materials from Sulfur and Common Metals new text end

new text begin $494,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop solar cell materials using nontoxic and common metals combined with sulfur. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Innovative Groundwater-Enhanced Geothermal Heat Pump Study new text end

new text begin $196,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to analyze and validate a new geothermal pump method and technology that will reduce heat pump costs and improve performance and predictability. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. new text end

new text begin (c) Demonstrating Innovative Technologies to Fully Utilize Wastewater Resources new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to demonstrate innovative technologies to utilize and treat wastewater streams for conversion of treatment by-products to biofuels. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Transitioning Minnesota Farms to Local Energy new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris to develop clean energy strategies for Minnesota farms in order to reduce fossil fuel energy use and increase local energy production. Any installation of infrastructure or improvements must be at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Life Cycle Energy of Renewably Produced Nitrogen Fertilizers new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris to calculate fossil fuel energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions resulting from the use of local renewable energy technologies, including biomass gasification, anaerobic digestion, and hydroelectricity to produce fertilizer. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (f) Clean Water and Renewable Energy from Beet Processing Wastewater and Manure new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca to research the cofermentation of sugar beet processing wastewater and swine manure for hydrogen and methane production and to install and evaluate a pilot-scale system. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (g) Next Generation Large-Scale Septic Tank Systems new text end

new text begin $258,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a dual utility large-scale septic tank system designed for nutrient recuperation, bioenergy generation, and environmental protection using a bio-electrochemical system. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (h) Solar Photovoltaic Installation at Residential Environmental Learning Centers new text end

new text begin $150,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Deep Portage Learning Center to coordinate with Audubon Center of the North Woods; Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; Long Lake Conservation Center; and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center the installation of at least five kilowatt institutional solar arrays made in Minnesota at each of the six residential environmental learning centers as a teaching tool. Prior to the installation, the proposed placement of the solar arrays must be submitted to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources office to ensure the demonstration of the maximum educational value. new text end

new text begin (i) Itasca Community College Woody Biomass Utilization Project Design new text end

new text begin $112,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Itasca Community College to develop a final design for installation of a boiler heating system using woody biomass. Students at the college must be involved in the final design process. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Environmental Education new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 3,681,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Minnesota Conservation Apprenticeship Academy new text end

new text begin $392,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources in cooperation with Conservation Corps Minnesota to continue a program to train and mentor future conservation professionals by providing apprenticeship service opportunities with soil and water conservation districts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (b) Youth-led Sustainability Initiatives in 40 Greater Minnesota Communities new text end

new text begin $350,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in cooperation with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center to complete over 100 youth-led sustainability action projects in 40 communities in southwest, southeast, central and northeastern Minnesota. new text end

new text begin (c) Urban Environmental Education Engaging Students in Local Resources new text end

new text begin $1,093,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry for a collaborative partnership, including the National Park Service, Minneapolis Public Schools, and St. Paul Public Schools, to establish a metrowide system providing place-based environmental education experiences using existing, but underutilized, outdoor environmental resources serving over 15,000 middle and high school students. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (d) Diversifying Involvement in the Natural Resources Community new text end

new text begin $416,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources and $84,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to increase participation of under-represented communities in the natural resource professions and in outdoor recreation by means of targeted urban outreach and stronger linkages between Department of Natural Resources programs and academic offerings. This initiative must be coordinated with other environmental education appropriations in this subdivision. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (e) Educating Minnesotans about Potential Impacts of Changing Climate new text end

new text begin $325,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Will Steger Foundation to plan and conduct forums, workshops, and trainings on Minnesota's changing climate and the potential impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. An accompanying television program and information spots must be produced for broadcast and use at the forums. new text end

new text begin (f) Pollinator Education Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum new text end

new text begin $615,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop exhibits for an educational center that will offer hands-on learning experience about the role of pollinators and importance of pollinator habitat. Exhibits must utilize and integrate the best available science pertaining to all pollinator types, particularly native species. Approval of the work plan for this appropriation is contingent upon the organization addressing how it will increase access to the center by youth at no or limited cost. new text end

new text begin (g) Minnesota Pollinator Partnership new text end

new text begin $100,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to complete 40 community pollinator education and habitat projects. This appropriation must be coordinated with appropriations provided by the outdoor heritage fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. new text end

new text begin (h) Raptor Center Integrating Online and Outdoor Learning Environments new text end

new text begin $186,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Raptor Center to develop an environmental education program on raptors for middle schools that integrates outdoor experiences with technology and scientific investigation. new text end

new text begin (i) Wolf Management Education new text end

new text begin $120,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the International Wolf Center for outreach to metro area kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms and nature centers to help children understand wolf management issues. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Administration and Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin -0- new text end new text begin 244,000 new text end
new text begin (a) Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

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

new text begin (b) Legislative Coordinating Commission Legacy Web Site new text end

new text begin $9,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for the Web site required in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision 10. new text end

new text begin (c) Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) new text end

new text begin $100,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the LCCMR for upgrade and modernization of a project records management system. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Availability of Appropriations new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may not be spent on activities unless they are directly related to and necessary for a specific appropriation and are specified in the work plan approved by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Money appropriated in this section must not be spent on indirect costs or other institutional overhead charges that are not directly related to and necessary for a specific appropriation. Costs that are directly related to and necessary for an appropriation, including financial services, human resources, information services, rent, and utilities, are eligible only if the costs can be clearly justified and individually documented specific to the appropriation's purpose and would not be generated by the recipient but for the receipt of the appropriation. No broad allocations for costs in either dollars or percentages are allowed. Unless otherwise provided, the amounts in this section are available until June 30, 2016, when projects must be completed and final products delivered. For acquisition of real property, the appropriations in this section are available for an additional fiscal year if a binding contract for acquisition of the real property is entered into before the original expiration date of the appropriation. If a project receives a federal grant, the time period of the appropriation is extended to equal the federal grant period. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Data Availability Requirements new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Project Requirements new text end

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

new text begin (i) To the extent an appropriation is used to acquire an interest in real property, a recipient of an appropriation under this section must provide to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources and the commissioner of management and budget an analysis of increased operation and maintenance costs likely to be incurred by public entities as a result of the acquisition and how these costs are to be paid. new text end

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

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

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

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

new text begin (a) All agreements, grants, or contracts referred to in this section must be administered on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise provided in this section. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.41, expenditures made on or after July 1, 2014, or the date the work plan is approved, whichever is later, are eligible for reimbursement unless otherwise provided in this section. Periodic payment must be made upon receiving documentation that the deliverable items articulated in the approved work plan have been achieved, including partial achievements as evidenced by approved progress reports. Reasonable amounts may be advanced to projects to accommodate cash flow needs or match federal money. The advances must be approved as part of the work plan. No expenditures for capital equipment are allowed unless expressly authorized in the project work plan. new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

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

new text begin A political subdivision, public or private corporation, or other entity that receives an appropriation under this section must use the appropriation in compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.121, regarding purchase of recycled, repairable, and durable materials; and Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.122, regarding purchase and use of paper stock and printing. new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

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

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

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Accessibility new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Easement Monitoring and Enforcement Requirements new text end

new text begin Money appropriated under this section for easement monitoring and enforcement may be spent only on activities included in an easement monitoring and enforcement plan contained within the work plan. Money received for monitoring and enforcement, including earnings on the money received, shall be kept in a monitoring and enforcement fund held by the organization and dedicated to monitoring and enforcing conservation easements within Minnesota. Within 120 days after the close of the entity's fiscal year, an entity receiving appropriations for easement monitoring and enforcement must provide an annual financial report to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources or its successor on the easement monitoring and enforcement fund as specified in the work plan. new text end

new text begin Money appropriated under this section for monitoring and enforcement of easements and earnings on the money appropriated shall revert to the state if: (1) the easement transfers to the state; (2) the holder of the easement fails to file an annual report and then fails to cure that default within 30 days of notification of the default by the state; or (3) the holder of the easement fails to comply with the terms of the monitoring and enforcement plan contained within the work plan and fails to cure that default within 90 days of notification of the default by the state. new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Carryforward new text end

new text begin (a) The availability of the appropriations for the following projects are extended to June 30, 2015: new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph (j), Information System for Wildlife and Aquatic Management Areas; new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), State Parks and Trails Land Acquisition; new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (i), Metropolitan Conservation Corridors (MeCC) - Phase VI; new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (c), Evaluation of Switchgrass as Biofuel Crop; new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (d), Regional Park, Trail, and Connections Acquisition and Development Grants; new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (g), Minnesota River Valley Green Corridor Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition; new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (q), Restoration Strategies for Ditched Peatland and Scientific and Natural Areas; new text end

new text begin (8) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (a), Improved Detection of Harmful Microbes in Ballast Water; new text end

new text begin (9) Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (b), Minnesota Junior Master Naturalist Program; and new text end

new text begin (10) Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (d), Agricultural and Urban Runoff Water Quality Treatment Analysis. new text end

new text begin (b) The availability of the appropriations for the following project is extended to June 30, 2017: Laws 2013, chapter 52, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (g), Controlling Terrestrial Invasive Plants with Grazing Animals. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 116P.17, is amended to read:

116P.17 ACQUISITION OF LANDS OR INTEREST IN LANDS; COMMISSIONER APPROVAL.

Subdivision 1.

Commissioner approval.

(a) A recipient of an appropriation from the trust fund who acquires an interest in real property must receive written approval from the commissioner of natural resources prior to the acquisition, if the interest is acquired in whole or in part with the appropriation.new text begin A recipient must request the commissioner's approval at least ten business days before the proposed acquisition. When a recipient requests approval under this subdivision, the recipient must simultaneously submit the same information to the commission.new text end Conservation easements to be held by the Board of Water and Soil Resources new text begin and acquisitions specifically identified in appropriation laws new text end are not subject to commissioner approval under this section.

(b) The commissioner shall approve acquisitions under this section only when the interest in real property:

(1) is identified as a high priority by the commissioner and meets the objectives and criteria identified in the applicable acquisition plan for the intended management status of the property; or

(2) is otherwise identified by the commissioner as a priority for state financing.

Subd. 2.

Value assessment.

new text begin At least ten business days new text end prior to acquiring an interest in real property with an appropriation from the trust fund, a recipient of an appropriation must submit the most recent tax assessed value and most recent tax statement of the real property and the amount the recipient plans to offer for the interest in real property to the commission and the commissioner of natural resources. Conservation easements to be held by the Board of Water and Soil Resources are not subject to the requirements of this section. The board shall keep a record of the tax assessed value of the real property at the time of acquisition and the most recent tax statement.

Sec. 4.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116P.05, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

Presented to the governor May 8, 2014

Signed by the governor May 9, 2014, 10:11 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes