Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to develop a comprehensive water availability atlas and a methodology for determining suitable locations for large water users and businesses in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill allocates funds from the state's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of natural resources.
• Water Availability Atlas: The commissioner, in cooperation with the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office, will create an atlas. This atlas will use existing data to map out how water is distributed across the state.
• Siting Methodology: Along with the atlas, a methodology will be developed. This tool is intended to guide state agencies, local governments, and economic development authorities in finding appropriate sites for large water users, such as businesses that require significant water resources.

Significant Changes

• Reporting and Submission: By January 15, 2028, the completed atlas and methodology need to be submitted to the relevant legislative committees and divisions. These will include the chairs and ranking minority members responsible for environment, natural resources, and economic development sectors, ensuring the outcomes are accessible to the involved governmental and economic parties.
• One-time Appropriation: The funding for this project is intended as a one-time allocation.

Relevant Terms

water availability, atlas, siting methodology, large water users, economic development, natural resources, mapping, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office, commissioner of natural resources, state funding