2000 Minnesota Statutes

     298.2961 Producer grants. 

    Subdivision 1.    Appropriation.  (a) $10,000,000 is 
 appropriated from the northeast Minnesota economic protection 
 trust fund to a special account in the taconite area 
 environmental protection fund for grants or loans to producers 
 on a project-by-project basis as provided in this section. 

    (b) The proceeds of the tax designated under section 
 298.28, subdivision 9b, are appropriated for grants and loans to 
 producers on a project-by-project basis as provided in this 
 section. 

    Subd. 2.    Projects; approval.  (a) Projects funded 
 must be for: 

    (1) environmentally unique reclamation projects; or 

    (2) pit or plant expansions or modernizations other than 
 for a value added iron products plant that extend the life of 
 the plant. 

    (b) To be proposed by the board, a project must be approved 
 by at least eight iron range resources and rehabilitation board 
 members.  The money for a project may be spent only upon 
 approval of the project by the governor.  The board may submit 
 supplemental projects for approval at any time. 

    (c) The board may require that it receive an equity 
 percentage in any project to which it contributes under this 
 section.  

    HIST: 1996 c 471 art 12 s 8; 1997 c 231 art 8 s 11