Bill > HF2708

This bill provides funding for a new Southeast Regional Groundwater Protection and Soil Health Initiative in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill appropriates an unspecified amount of money from the general fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for grants to soil and water conservation districts in 11 southeastern Minnesota counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona). The grants are intended to address environmental challenges such as reducing the leaching of excess crop nutrients into groundwater, immobilizing unused nitrogen from the rooting zone, and reducing soil erosion. The bill also allows soil and water conservation districts receiving these grants to make subgrants for projects that align with the Olmsted County groundwater protection and soil health initiative, which includes programs for cover crops, alternative crops, and haying, grazing, and pasture enhancement. This legislation aims to improve soil health and groundwater quality in the southeastern region of Minnesota by providing financial support for targeted conservation efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2708&ssn=0&y=2025