Bill > SF1281

This bill establishes a local road wetland replacement program by appropriating funds to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire land and restore wetlands impacted by public road repairs and reconstructions. Specifically, the bill provides $15,000,000 from bond proceeds and $11,500,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026, with an additional $15,000,000 base appropriation in fiscal year 2027. The board is authorized to acquire land or permanent easements to replace wetlands drained or filled during road infrastructure projects, and may deviate from standard priority order to implement in-lieu fee agreements approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. The board can purchase land at fair market value and collaborate with various entities like federal agencies, state agencies, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations to acquire wetland replacement credits. The commissioner of management and budget is instructed to sell and issue state bonds up to $15,000,000 to support the program, following standard state bonding procedures. The bill becomes effective immediately after final enactment.

Budget and Finance

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1281&ssn=0&y=2025