SF1281 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Local road wetland replacement program bond issue and appropriation

Related bill: HF1364

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 1281 is a legislative bill proposed in Minnesota that focuses on funding the local road wetland replacement program. This bill involves:

  1. Funding Allocation: The bill proposes to allocate a total of $15,000,000 from bond proceeds and an additional $15,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 respectively. This funding is intended for the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

  2. Purpose of the Funding: The allocated funds are to be used to acquire land or permanent easements, and to restore, create, enhance, and preserve wetlands. This is in response to the loss of wetlands due to public roadwork activities such as repair, reconstruction, replacement, or rehabilitation.

  3. Authority and Processes: The Board of Water and Soil Resources is authorized to potentially change the priority order of projects to align with federal agreements under the Clean Water Act. The board is also allowed to collaborate with various entities including federal, state agencies, and private organizations to buy wetland replacement credits.

  4. Financial Details: The purchase price for any land or easements must reflect the fair market value as determined by the board.

  5. Bond Sale: The bill authorizes the sale and issuance of state bonds up to $15,000,000 to fund these efforts. This is managed by the commissioner of management and budget, following specific statutory guidelines.

In summary, S.F. No. 1281 is aimed at supporting environmental sustainability through the restoration and preservation of wetlands impacted by road maintenance and construction activities, using both bond proceeds and general funds to finance these efforts.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toCapital Investment
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section outlines requirements for replacing wetlands impacted by the development of public roads.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103G.222"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "These sections describe the procedures for the sale and issuance of state bonds for capital projects.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16A.631 to 16A.675"
  }
]