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HF983 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Local road wetland replacement program funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1535

AI Generated Summary

This bill focuses on funding and implementing enhancements for wetland areas affected by public road projects in Minnesota. It aims to replace wetlands that have been drained or filled during the repair or upgrading of existing roads. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

  1. Appropriations and Funding:

    • $15,000,000 from bond proceeds and $11,500,000 from the general fund are allocated for fiscal year 2026.
    • These funds are designated for the Board of Water and Soil Resources to buy land or easements, and to support activities like restoration, creation, enhancement, and preservation of wetlands.

  2. Bond Sale Authorization:

    • Enables the commissioner of management and budget to sell and issue state bonds up to $15,000,000 to provide necessary funding for the wetland replacement work.

  3. Ongoing Financial Support:

    • $7,500,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, sourced from the general fund, dedicated to similar land and easement acquisitions, and wetland work.
    • Additionally, $2,000,000 for each of the years 2026 and 2027 is allocated from the general fund for administering the local government roads wetland replacement program.

  4. Project Implementation and Partnerships:

    • The Board may change priority order and enter into in-lieu fee agreements as approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers under federal regulations.
    • Authorizes the Board to collaborate with various entities like federal or state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to secure wetland replacement credits.

Overall, the bill addresses environmental restoration linked to road infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with state laws and federal regulations, and securing necessary funding via state bonds.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCapital Investment
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion to recall and re-refer, motion prevailedEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introducing funds for new wetland replacement projects."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill provides appropriations for wetland replacement in relation to public road projects.",
      "modified": [
        "Priority order for implementing in-lieu fee agreements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.222"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "These sections pertain to the sale and issuance of state bonds.",
      "modified": [
        "Bond sale procedures for additional appropriations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.631 to 16A.675"
  }
]

Sponsors