Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funds for the maintenance and restoration of earthen dams in specific counties in Minnesota. This initiative aims to support flood protection and environmental sustainability.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill allocates $1,250,000 from the clean water fund for the fiscal year 2026. This funding is designated for grants to five counties: Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona.
• Project Focus: The grants are intended specifically for cleaning out and reestablishing upslope earthen dams and associated flood protection structures. These measures are aimed at enhancing water management and flood mitigation in these areas.

Reporting Requirements

• Counties that receive grants must submit a report by October 1, 2026. This report should be directed to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees overseeing environment and natural resources, detailing how the grant was utilized.

Administrative Cost Restrictions

• The bill explicitly states that neither the Board of Water and Soil Resources nor the recipient counties can use any portion of the allocated funds to cover administrative costs. This ensures that the full amount of the grant is used for the intended purpose of dam maintenance and restoration.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a specific funding allocation and reporting requirement for the maintenance of earthen dams in designated counties, emphasizing the importance of environmental infrastructure and its maintenance.

Relevant Terms

clean water fund, earthen dams, flood protection, restoration, grants, environmental sustainability, administrative costs, water management, Fillmore County, Goodhue County, Houston County, Wabasha County, Winona County.