Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funding to the Mississippi Headwaters Board to support the implementation of a comprehensive plan aimed at conserving and managing the upper Mississippi River. This legislation is intended to ensure the preservation and sustainable management of natural resources within the areas overseen by the board.

Main Provisions

• Fund Allocation: The bill specifies that $175,000 is appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, taken from the general fund.
• Grant Provision: These funds will be provided as a grant to the Mississippi Headwaters Board. This grant covers up to 50% of the costs associated with implementing their comprehensive management plan.
• Reporting Requirement: By December 15, 2027, a detailed report must be submitted by the board to the appropriate legislative committees. This report should include a summary of funded activities and the progress achieved in implementing the comprehensive plan for the river.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not state any specific changes to existing law but introduces a new focused appropriation for the conservation and strategic management efforts by the Mississippi Headwaters Board over multiple fiscal years.

Relevant Terms

Mississippi Headwaters Board, appropriation, natural resources, comprehensive plan, upper Mississippi River, conservation, fiscal year, general fund.