as introduced - 80th Legislature (1997 - 1998) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am
1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to the environment; authorizing spending to 1.3 acquire and to better public land and buildings and 1.4 other public improvements; appropriating money; 1.5 amending Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 17.117, 1.6 subdivision 3; 85.019, subdivision 4a, and by adding a 1.7 subdivision; 103F.725, subdivision 1a; 116.16, 1.8 subdivision 5; 116.182, subdivision 1, and by adding a 1.9 subdivision; and 446A.072, subdivisions 2, 4, 7, 9, 1.10 and 12; Minnesota Statutes 1997 Supplement, sections 1.11 84.027, subdivision 15; and 116.18, subdivision 3c; 1.12 proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, 1.13 chapter 85; repealing Minnesota Statutes 1997 1.14 Supplement, section 446A.072, subdivision 4a. 1.15 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.16 Section 1. [ENVIRONMENT; APPROPRIATIONS.] 1.17 The sums in the column under "APPROPRIATIONS" are 1.18 appropriated from the general fund, or another named fund, to 1.19 the state agencies or officials indicated. Unless otherwise 1.20 specified, general fund appropriations in this act are one-time 1.21 appropriations and are available until June 30, 2002. 1.22 SUMMARY BY FUND 1.23 General Fund $ 190,400,000 1.24 APPROPRIATIONS 1.25 Sec. 2. NATURAL RESOURCES 1.26 Subdivision 1. To the 1.27 commissioner of natural resources 1.28 for the purposes specified 1.29 in this section 120,400,000 1.30 Subd. 2. Statewide Asset 1.31 Preservation 2,282,000 1.32 For repair and renovation of the 2.1 department of natural resources land, 2.2 buildings, or other improvements of a 2.3 capital nature throughout the state. 2.4 The commissioner shall determine 2.5 project priorities as appropriate based 2.6 upon need. 2.7 Subd. 3. Office Facility 2.8 Consolidation 9,921,000 2.9 To acquire land, design, construct, 2.10 furnish, and equip offices and service 2.11 facilities at consolidated office sites 2.12 in Windom, Tower, and St. Cloud. 2.13 Subd. 4. State Park and Recreation 2.14 Area Building Rehabilitation 3,255,000 2.15 To design, repair, rehabilitate, 2.16 construct, or add to state park 2.17 buildings throughout the state, 2.18 according to the management plan 2.19 required in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 2.20 86A. The commissioner shall determine 2.21 project priorities as appropriate based 2.22 upon need. 2.23 Subd. 5. State Park and Recreation 2.24 Area Building Development 4,585,000 2.25 To design, construct, furnish, and 2.26 equip new buildings and associated 2.27 utilities in the state park system, 2.28 according to the management plan 2.29 required in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 2.30 86A. 2.31 Subd. 6. State Park and Recreation 2.32 Area Betterment and Rehabilitation 2,021,000 2.33 To upgrade, repair, or rehabilitate 2.34 improvements of a capital nature at 2.35 state park and recreation area 2.36 facilities throughout the state, 2.37 including, but not limited to, resource 2.38 management projects, trail 2.39 rehabilitation, campground 2.40 rehabilitation, and road and bridge 2.41 repair. The commissioner shall 2.42 determine project priorities as 2.43 appropriate based upon need. 2.44 Subd. 7. State Park and 2.45 Recreation Area Acquisition 2,500,000 2.46 For acquisition from willing sellers of 2.47 private lands within state park and 2.48 recreation area boundaries established 2.49 by law. The commissioner shall 2.50 determine project priorities as 2.51 appropriate based upon need. 2.52 Subd. 8. U.S.S. Des Moines 200,000 2.53 For planning and to preserve options 2.54 for the possible future acquisition and 2.55 placement of the U.S.S. Des Moines. 2.56 Subd. 9. Metro Regional Park 2.57 Acquisition and Betterment 9,825,000 3.1 For payment to the metropolitan 3.2 council. The commissioner shall pay 3.3 the amount on a reimbursement basis to 3.4 the metropolitan council upon receipt 3.5 of a certified copy of a council 3.6 resolution requesting payment. The 3.7 appropriation must be used to pay the 3.8 cost of rehabilitation, acquisition, 3.9 and development by the council and 3.10 local government units of regional 3.11 recreational open-space lands in 3.12 accordance with the council's policy 3.13 plan as provided in Minnesota Statutes, 3.14 section 473.315. This appropriation 3.15 must not be used for research, 3.16 planning, administration, or tax 3.17 equivalency payments. This 3.18 appropriation may be used for the 3.19 purchase of homes only if the purchases 3.20 are included in the work program 3.21 required by law and they are expressly 3.22 approved by the legislative commission 3.23 on Minnesota resources. 3.24 Subd. 10. Dam Improvements 1,000,000 3.25 For the emergency repair, 3.26 reconstruction, or removal of publicly 3.27 owned dams throughout the state. Up to 3.28 $300,000 of this appropriation is for a 3.29 grant to the city of Appleton for 3.30 removal of a dam located on the Pomme 3.31 de Terre river in Swift county. The 3.32 commissioner shall determine remaining 3.33 project priorities as appropriate based 3.34 upon need as provided in Minnesota 3.35 Statutes, section 103G.511. 3.36 Subd. 11. Flood Hazard 3.37 Mitigation Grants 38,200,000 3.38 For the flood hazard mitigation grant 3.39 program to local government units for 3.40 capital improvements to prevent or 3.41 alleviate flood damages under Minnesota 3.42 Statutes, section 103F.161, including 3.43 $1,500,000 for the construction of ring 3.44 dikes. The commissioner shall 3.45 determine project priorities as 3.46 appropriate based upon need. As soon 3.47 as the section 205 study for the city 3.48 of Breckenridge is complete, the 3.49 commissioner shall make a 3.50 recommendation to the legislature for 3.51 the funding necessary to complete flood 3.52 hazard mitigation efforts in the city. 3.53 This appropriation contains the amount 3.54 necessary to fully fund the state share 3.55 of the East Grand Forks project. Grants 3.56 under this subdivision are exempt from 3.57 the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, 3.58 section 16B.335. 3.59 Subd. 12. Forest Road and 3.60 Bridge Projects 1,000,000 3.61 For reconstruction, resurfacing, 3.62 replacement, or construction of 3.63 improvements of a capital nature to 3.64 state forest roads and bridges 3.65 throughout the state. The commissioner 4.1 shall determine project priorities as 4.2 appropriate based upon need. 4.3 Subd. 13. Forestry Land Acquisition 800,000 4.4 To acquire private lands from willing 4.5 sellers within established boundaries 4.6 of state forests throughout the state. 4.7 The commissioner shall determine 4.8 project priorities as appropriate based 4.9 upon need. 4.10 Subd. 14. Forestry Recreation 4.11 Facilities 750,000 4.12 For improvements of a capital nature to 4.13 rehabilitate, improve, or develop 4.14 forestry recreation facilities 4.15 throughout the state. The commissioner 4.16 shall determine project priorities as 4.17 appropriate based upon need. 4.18 Subd. 15. RIM Wildlife Management Areas, 4.19 Critical Habitat, and North American 4.20 Waterfowl Management Plan 8,841,000 4.21 $1,000,000 of this appropriation is to 4.22 acquire land for wildlife management 4.23 areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 4.24 97A.135; $7,341,000 is for the critical 4.25 habitat private sector matching account 4.26 under Minnesota Statutes, section 4.27 84.943; and $500,000 is for acquisition 4.28 and wetland restoration under the North 4.29 American Waterfowl Management Plan. 4.30 The commissioner shall determine 4.31 project priorities as appropriate based 4.32 upon need. 4.33 Subd. 16. RIM Fish Hatchery 4.34 Rehabilitation 1,300,000 4.35 For improvements of a capital nature to 4.36 rehabilitate, improve, or develop fish 4.37 culture facilities. 4.38 Subd. 17. RIM Wildlife, 4.39 Habitat Improvements 3,000,000 4.40 For improvements of a capital nature to 4.41 develop, protect, or improve wildlife 4.42 management areas and other state lands 4.43 throughout the state. The commissioner 4.44 shall determine project priorities as 4.45 appropriate based upon need. 4.46 Subd. 18. Stream Protection 4.47 and Restoration 1,500,000 4.48 For the acquisition of easements and 4.49 aquatic management areas on streams for 4.50 fisheries management purposes; and 4.51 stream restoration on portions of the 4.52 Whitewater river and Sandy river. 4.53 Subd. 19. Scientific and Natural Area and 4.54 Prairie Bank Acquisition and Improvement 2,300,000 4.55 $1,500,000 of this appropriation is to 4.56 acquire land related to scientific and 4.57 natural areas pursuant to Minnesota 5.1 Statutes, section 84.033; $400,000 is 5.2 for acquisition of prairie bank 5.3 easements pursuant to Minnesota 5.4 Statutes, section 84.96; and $400,000 5.5 is for development, protection, or 5.6 improvements of a capital nature to 5.7 scientific and natural areas throughout 5.8 the state. Scientific and natural area 5.9 acquisition that is consistent with the 5.10 greenways and natural areas 5.11 collaborative must be given priority 5.12 for funding. The commissioner shall 5.13 determine other project priorities as 5.14 appropriate based upon need. 5.15 Subd. 20. Accelerated Wildlife 5.16 Habitat Management 1,100,000 5.17 For wildlife habitat improvement. Of 5.18 this amount, $900,000 is for winter 5.19 wildlife habitat improvement for 5.20 pheasants and other grassland wildlife 5.21 in key farmland areas and $200,000 is 5.22 for brushland and forest habitat 5.23 renewal for sharp-tailed grouse and 5.24 other species of birds dependent on 5.25 open brushlands in forest areas. 5.26 Subd. 21. Water Access 5.27 Acquisition and Development 1,000,000 5.28 For public water access acquisition 5.29 development and rehabilitation on lakes 5.30 and rivers including boat access 5.31 through the provision of fishing piers 5.32 and shoreline access. 5.33 Subd. 22. Trail Acquisition 5.34 and Development 9,500,000 5.35 For acquisition and development of a 5.36 capital nature on state trails as 5.37 specified in Minnesota Statutes, 5.38 section 85.015. The commissioner shall 5.39 determine project priorities as 5.40 appropriate based upon need. 5.41 $1,500,000 of this appropriation is for 5.42 the state targeting accessible 5.43 recreation trails (START) project to 5.44 complete the trail survey, 5.45 prioritizing, and preengineering work 5.46 for all 100 major recreation areas and 5.47 to improve accessibility in up to 35 of 5.48 these areas. This appropriation 5.49 includes money for an alternate trail 5.50 surface on the Heartland trail and for 5.51 acquisition of the extension of the 5.52 Blufflands trail from Preston to 5.53 Forestville state park and the Blazing 5.54 Star trail. 5.55 Subd. 23. Mississippi Whitewater 5.56 Trail 100,000 5.57 For engineering and hydraulic studies 5.58 in conjunction with the proposed 5.59 development of an urban whitewater 5.60 trail along the Mississippi river in 5.61 the lower St. Anthony Falls area below 5.62 the stone arch bridge in Minneapolis 5.63 and to examine the economic impact, 6.1 market use potential, public safety 6.2 concerns, environmental considerations, 6.3 and land and water use impacts of the 6.4 proposed Mississippi Whitewater trail. 6.5 The commissioner must coordinate and 6.6 work with affected local, state, and 6.7 federal governments and interested 6.8 citizen groups, including, but not 6.9 limited to, the National Park Service, 6.10 the United States Army Corps of 6.11 Engineers, the University of Minnesota, 6.12 the Minnesota historical society, the 6.13 metropolitan parks and open space 6.14 commission, the Minneapolis park board, 6.15 and the Mississippi Whitewater Park 6.16 Development Corporation. The 6.17 commissioner must report to the senate 6.18 environment and agriculture budget 6.19 division and the house environment, 6.20 natural resources, and agriculture 6.21 finance committee by November 1, 1999, 6.22 on the findings from the studies 6.23 required under this subdivision. This 6.24 appropriation is available until June 6.25 30, 1999. 6.26 Subd. 24. Lake Superior 6.27 Safe Harbors 5,150,000 6.28 For acquisition, design, and 6.29 development of safe harbors and public 6.30 accesses on Lake Superior at Taconite 6.31 Harbor, Two Harbors, and Knife river. 6.32 This appropriation is intended to 6.33 maximize federal matching funds from 6.34 the United States Army Corps of 6.35 Engineers. 6.36 Subd. 25. Local Initiative Grants 6,500,000 6.37 For matching grants to be provided to 6.38 local units of government to purchase 6.39 interests in land, development, or 6.40 renovation of a capital nature of local 6.41 parks, trails, and natural and scenic 6.42 areas. Recipients must provide a match 6.43 of at least one-half of total eligible 6.44 project costs. The commissioner shall 6.45 make payment to local units of 6.46 government upon receiving documentation 6.47 of reimbursable expenditures. The 6.48 commissioner shall determine project 6.49 priorities as appropriate based upon 6.50 need. 6.51 $1,000,000 of this appropriation is for 6.52 grants to units of government to 6.53 acquire and develop outdoor recreation 6.54 areas. 6.55 $1,000,000 of this appropriation is for 6.56 cooperative trail grants of up to 6.57 $50,000 per project for trail linkages 6.58 between communities, trails, and parks. 6.59 $2,500,000 of this appropriation is for 6.60 regional trail grants under Minnesota 6.61 Statutes, section 85.019, subdivision 6.62 4b. Priority shall be given to 6.63 matching funds for an ISTEA grant. 7.1 $500,000 of this appropriation is for 7.2 the cost of development and acquisition 7.3 of the Southwest regional trail in the 7.4 city of St. Louis Park. The trail must 7.5 connect the Minneapolis regional trail 7.6 system at Cedar Lake park to the 7.7 Hennepin parks regional trail system at 7.8 the Hopkins trail head. 7.9 $1,500,000 of this appropriation is for 7.10 grants to units of government to 7.11 acquire and better natural and scenic 7.12 areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 7.13 85.019, subdivision 4a. Acquisition 7.14 that is consistent with the greenways 7.15 and natural areas collaborative must be 7.16 given priority for funding. 7.17 Grants under this subdivision are 7.18 exempt from the requirements of 7.19 Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.335. 7.20 Subd. 26. Hartley Nature Center 120,000 7.21 For a grant to the city of Duluth for 7.22 improvements to the Hartley Nature 7.23 Center to the extent matched by 7.24 nonstate sources. 7.25 Subd. 27. Laurentian 7.26 Environmental Center 800,000 7.27 For a grant to independent school 7.28 district No. 621, Mounds View, for 7.29 capital improvements at the Laurentian 7.30 Environmental Learning Center, 7.31 including remodeling of existing 7.32 buildings, construction of new 7.33 buildings, demolition, and access 7.34 improvements for people with 7.35 disabilities. $300,000 of this 7.36 appropriation is available 7.37 immediately. The balance is available 7.38 to the extent matched by money from 7.39 other sources. 7.40 Subd. 28. International Wolf Center 350,000 7.41 For capital improvements to the 7.42 International Wolf Center, including 7.43 repair of grounds and buildings, 7.44 improvements to the heating and 7.45 ventilation system, the wolf enclosure, 7.46 and the children's exhibit room, and 7.47 added facilities for vehicle garaging 7.48 and a workshop. 7.49 Subd. 29. Savage Water 7.50 Supply System 2,000,000 7.51 $2,000,000 is for a grant to the city 7.52 of Savage for a water supply system. 7.53 The system must implement uniform 7.54 demand management measures and provide 7.55 for alternative sustainable water 7.56 sources while protecting the Savage Fen 7.57 wetland complex and the water resources 7.58 of the aquifers. Conservation and 7.59 demand reduction measures must be 7.60 adopted. The system may be constructed 7.61 under authority of Minnesota Statutes, 8.1 section 471.59, 471.591, or other law. 8.2 The alternative sources of water must 8.3 be approved by the commissioner and 8.4 comply with permit requirements under 8.5 Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103G. This 8.6 appropriation may not be used to pay 8.7 for more than 50 percent of the 8.8 additional costs incurred for 8.9 protection of the Savage Fen, as 8.10 determined by the commissioner. 8.11 No later than June 30, 1998, the 8.12 commissioner of finance shall transfer 8.13 $2,000,000 of the unencumbered balance 8.14 in the once-through cooling conversion 8.15 loan account from funds credited to the 8.16 account under Minnesota Statutes, 8.17 section 103G.271, subdivision 6, 8.18 paragraph (g), to the general fund. 8.19 Subd. 30. Como Park Education Resource Center 500,000 8.20 For a grant to the city of St. Paul for 8.21 initial construction costs for the Como 8.22 Park education resource center. 8.23 The center must report to the chair of 8.24 the senate environment and agriculture 8.25 budget division, the chair of the house 8.26 environment and agriculture finance 8.27 committee, and the chairs of the senate 8.28 and house environment and natural 8.29 resources policy committees as soon as 8.30 the center has secured half of the 8.31 total project costs from nonstate 8.32 sources. 8.33 Subd. 31. Work Program 8.34 The commissioner must submit a work 8.35 program and semiannual progress reports 8.36 in the form determined by the 8.37 legislative commission on Minnesota 8.38 resources and request its 8.39 recommendation before spending any 8.40 money appropriated by subdivision 4, 5, 8.41 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 8.42 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, or 28 of this 8.43 section. The commission's 8.44 recommendation is advisory only. 8.45 Failure to respond to a request within 8.46 60 days after receipt is a positive 8.47 recommendation. Work programs 8.48 involving land acquisition must include 8.49 a land acquisition plan. 8.50 Sec. 3. OFFICE OF 8.51 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE 3,000,000 8.52 To the office of environmental 8.53 assistance for the solid waste capital 8.54 assistance grants program under 8.55 Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.54. 8.56 Grants under this section are exempt 8.57 from the requirements of Minnesota 8.58 Statutes, section 16B.335. 8.59 Sec. 4. PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY 8.60 Subdivision 1. To the public 8.61 facilities authority for the purposes 9.1 specified in this section. 44,300,000 9.2 Subd. 2. Matching Money 9.3 for Federal Grants 15,000,000 9.4 For state matching money for federal 9.5 grants to capitalize the water 9.6 pollution control fund and the drinking 9.7 water revolving fund under Minnesota 9.8 Statutes, sections 446A.07 and 446A.081. 9.9 The expenditure and allocation of state 9.10 matching funds between funds shall be 9.11 based on the amount of federal funds 9.12 appropriated to the funds. This 9.13 appropriation must be used for 9.14 qualified capital projects. 9.15 By October 1, 1998, the commissioner of 9.16 the pollution control agency shall 9.17 report to the chairs of the senate 9.18 environment and agriculture budget 9.19 division and the house environment, 9.20 natural resources, and agriculture 9.21 finance committee and the chairs of the 9.22 senate and house environment and 9.23 natural resources committees on the 9.24 feasibility and cost of options for 9.25 correcting sewage treatment system 9.26 problems in the city of Tracy. 9.27 Subd. 3. Wastewater 9.28 Infrastructure Program 16,000,000 9.29 For supplemental assistance to 9.30 municipalities under Minnesota 9.31 Statutes, section 446A.072. Priority 9.32 shall be given to reimbursement of 9.33 cities with median annual household 9.34 incomes, based on the 1990 federal 9.35 census, of less than $26,000 that have 9.36 constructed projects that reduce 9.37 discharge into outstanding resource 9.38 value waters in order to comply with 9.39 more stringent wastewater standards 9.40 required to protect those waters. The 9.41 amount of the reimbursement shall be 9.42 equal to the reimbursement the city 9.43 would have received pursuant to 9.44 Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.072, 9.45 subdivision 4, as it is amended by this 9.46 act. 9.47 The authority shall give priority to 9.48 matching grant funds on a 50 percent 9.49 basis with United States Department of 9.50 Agriculture rural development projects. 9.51 $300,000 is for a grant to the city of 9.52 Bayport for engineering of the storm 9.53 sewer reconstruction project, adjacent 9.54 to the department of corrections 9.55 Stillwater facility. 9.56 Subd. 4. State Revolving Fund 9.57 Supplemental 13,000,000 9.58 For deposit in the water pollution 9.59 control fund under Minnesota Statutes, 9.60 section 446A.07, for the agricultural 9.61 best management practices loan program 10.1 under Minnesota Statutes, section 10.2 17.117, except that none of this 10.3 appropriation may be used for 10.4 conservation tillage equipment. 10.5 Sec. 5. BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES 10.6 Subdivision 1. To the board 10.7 of water and soil resources for the 10.8 purposes specified in this section. 19,000,000 10.9 Subd. 2. RIM and PWP 10.10 Conservation Easements 15,000,000 10.11 This appropriation is for the following 10.12 purposes: 10.13 (1) to acquire conservation easements 10.14 from landowners on marginal lands to 10.15 protect soil and water quality and to 10.16 support fish and wildlife habitat as 10.17 provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 10.18 103F.515; and 10.19 (2) to acquire perpetual conservation 10.20 easements on existing type 1, 2, 3, and 10.21 6 wetlands, adjacent lands, and for the 10.22 establishment of permanent cover on 10.23 adjacent lands, in accordance with 10.24 Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.516. 10.25 Up to $250,000 may be used for the 10.26 acquisition of flood storage easements 10.27 that allow haying, grazing, or other 10.28 activities approved by the board when 10.29 the flood storage is not needed, and 10.30 for the cost of constructing related 10.31 dikes and other structures necessary to 10.32 maintain water in the flood storage 10.33 easement areas. Up to ten percent of 10.34 the appropriation may be used for 10.35 professional and technical services 10.36 related to acquisition of the easement. 10.37 The board, in consultation with the 10.38 commissioner of natural resources, must 10.39 select at least two local government 10.40 units for participation in the flood 10.41 storage easement pilot program based on 10.42 the potential and need for flood water 10.43 storage in the local area. The board 10.44 may acquire the easement directly or 10.45 provide grants to the local government 10.46 units for their acquisition of 10.47 easements that conform with the 10.48 requirements established by the board. 10.49 A conservation easement must be for at 10.50 least ten years. The board or the 10.51 local government unit must make the 10.52 following payments to the landowner for 10.53 the conservation easement and agreement: 10.54 (1) to establish conservation practices 10.55 required by the easement, up to 75 10.56 percent of the total eligible cost, not 10.57 to exceed an average of $75 per acre; 10.58 and 10.59 (2) 25 percent of the payment rate for 10.60 20-year easements acquired under 10.61 Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515; 11.1 or 11.2 (3) an alternative payment system for 11.3 easements as may be determined by the 11.4 board, in consultation with the 11.5 commissioner of natural resources. 11.6 By January 15, 2000, the board, in 11.7 conjunction with the commissioner of 11.8 natural resources, shall report to the 11.9 senate environment and agriculture 11.10 budget division and the house 11.11 environment, natural resources, and 11.12 agriculture finance committee on the 11.13 acquisition of easements under this 11.14 paragraph. The report must include an 11.15 analysis of the benefit to expansion of 11.16 the program in other areas of the state 11.17 that are prone to flooding and on the 11.18 adequacy of payments under the pilot 11.19 program. 11.20 Subd. 3. Local Government 11.21 Road Replacement 3,000,000 11.22 To acquire land, including related 11.23 wetland credits, and restore and create 11.24 wetlands for the replacement of 11.25 wetlands drained or filled by public 11.26 transportation projects on existing 11.27 roads as required by Minnesota 11.28 Statutes, section 103G.222, subdivision 11.29 1, paragraph (m). 11.30 The purchase price paid for acquisition 11.31 of land, fee or perpetual easement, 11.32 shall be the amount deemed reasonable 11.33 by the board. The board may enter into 11.34 agreements with the federal government, 11.35 other state agencies, political 11.36 subdivisions, and nonprofit 11.37 organizations or fee owners for 11.38 acquisition of land and restoration and 11.39 creation of wetlands with funds 11.40 provided by this appropriation. 11.41 Acquisition of or the conveyance of 11.42 land may be in the name of the 11.43 political subdivision. The 11.44 requirements of Minnesota Statutes, 11.45 sections 16B.07, 16B.19, and 177.41 to 11.46 177.44 shall not apply to agreements 11.47 for reimbursement of reasonable costs 11.48 incurred by a private fee owner or 11.49 nonprofit organization. 11.50 Subd. 4. Area II Minnesota 11.51 River Basin Grant-in-Aid Program 1,000,000 11.52 For grants to assist local governments 11.53 in acquiring and constructing 11.54 floodwater retention systems in area II 11.55 of the Minnesota river basin. Projects 11.56 may include flood control reservoirs, 11.57 road retention structures, and other 11.58 floodwater mitigation improvements. 11.59 This appropriation must be matched by 11.60 at least $333,000 from nonstate 11.61 sources. Grants under this subdivision 11.62 are exempt from the requirements of 11.63 Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.335. 12.1 Subd. 5. Work Program 12.2 The board must submit a work program 12.3 and semiannual progress reports in the 12.4 form determined by the legislative 12.5 commission on Minnesota resources and 12.6 request its recommendation before 12.7 spending any money appropriated by this 12.8 section. The commission's 12.9 recommendation is advisory only. 12.10 Failure to respond to a request within 12.11 60 days after receipt is a positive 12.12 recommendation. Work programs 12.13 involving land acquisition must include 12.14 a land acquisition plan. 12.15 Sec. 6. AGRICULTURE 500,000 12.16 For a grant to a political subdivision 12.17 that is chosen as a site for a soybean 12.18 oilseed processing and refining 12.19 facility, constructed by a 12.20 Minnesota-based cooperative. This 12.21 appropriation is for site preparation, 12.22 predevelopment, and other 12.23 infrastructure improvements, including 12.24 public and private utility 12.25 improvements, that are necessary for 12.26 development of the oilseed processing 12.27 and refining facility. This 12.28 appropriation is available until 12.29 December 31, 2000. 12.30 Sec. 7. MINNESOTA ZOOLOGICAL 12.31 GARDENS 3,200,000 12.32 To the Minnesota zoological gardens for 12.33 design, repair, and reconstruction of 12.34 roadways, pathways, parking lots, 12.35 outdoor lighting, and public plaza 12.36 areas. This appropriation is exempt 12.37 from the requirements of Minnesota 12.38 Statutes, section 16B.335. 12.39 Sec. 8. METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION 12.40 The metropolitan airports commission 12.41 shall grant $4,000,000 to the city of 12.42 Richfield for planning, designing, 12.43 constructing, and equipping 12.44 recreational facilities needed to 12.45 replace facilities lost due to 12.46 improvements to Wold Chamberlain 12.47 field. The city must spend the money 12.48 in a manner consistent with the 12.49 recreation asset replacement study of 12.50 the Richfield community services 12.51 department. 12.52 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.117, 12.53 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 12.54 Subd. 3. [APPROPRIATIONS.] Up to$40,000,000$50,000,000 12.55 of the balance in the water pollution control revolving fund in 12.56 section 446A.07, as determined by the public facilities 12.57 authority, is appropriated to the commissioner for the 13.1 establishment of this program. 13.2 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 1997 Supplement, section 13.3 84.027, subdivision 15, is amended to read: 13.4 Subd. 15. [ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS.] (a) The commissioner 13.5 may receive an application for, sell, and issue any license, 13.6 stamp, permit, registration, or transfer under the jurisdiction 13.7 of the commissioner by electronic means, including by 13.8 telephone. Notwithstanding section 97A.472, electronic and 13.9 telephone transactions may be made outside of the state. The 13.10 commissioner may: 13.11 (1) provide for the electronic transfer of funds generated 13.12 by electronic transactions, including by telephone; 13.13 (2) assign a license identification number to an applicant 13.14 who purchases a hunting or fishing license by electronic means, 13.15 to serve as temporary authorization to engage in the licensed 13.16 activity until the license is received or expires; 13.17 (3) charge and permit agents to charge a fee of individuals 13.18 who make electronic transactions,and transactions by telephone, 13.19 includinga transactionan issuing fee under section 97A.485, 13.20 subdivision 6, anda credit cardan additional transaction fee 13.21 established by the commissioner, not to exceed $3.50 for 13.22electronictelephone transactions; 13.23 (4) select up to four volunteer counties, not more than two 13.24 in the metropolitan area, to participate in this pilot project 13.25 and the counties shall select the participating agents;and13.26 (5) upon completion of a pilot project, implement a 13.27 statewide system, and select the participating agents; and 13.28 (6) adopt rules to administer the provisions of this 13.29 subdivision. 13.30 (b) A county shall not collect a commission for the sale of 13.31 licenses or permits made by agents selected by the participating 13.32 counties under this subdivision. 13.33 (c) Establishment of the transaction fee under paragraph 13.34 (a), clause (3), is not subject to rulemaking procedures. 13.35 Sec. 11. [85.0156] [MISSISSIPPI WHITEWATER TRAIL.] 13.36 Subdivision 1. [CREATION.] An urban whitewater trail is 14.1 created along the Mississippi river in the lower St. Anthony 14.2 falls area below the stone arch bridge in Minneapolis. The 14.3 trail must be primarily developed for whitewater rafters, 14.4 canoers, and kayakers. 14.5 Subd. 2. [COMMISSIONER'S DUTIES.] (a) The commissioner of 14.6 natural resources must coordinate the creation of the whitewater 14.7 trail by placing designation signs near and along the river and 14.8 must publicize the designation. 14.9 (b) In designating the Mississippi whitewater trail, the 14.10 commissioner must work with other federal, state, and local 14.11 agencies and private businesses and organizations interested in 14.12 the trail. 14.13 Subd. 3. [GIFTS; DONATIONS.] The commissioner of natural 14.14 resources is authorized to accept, on behalf of a nonprofit 14.15 corporation, donations of land or easements in land for the 14.16 whitewater trail and may seek and accept money for the trail 14.17 from other public and private sources. 14.18 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 85.019, 14.19 subdivision 4a, is amended to read: 14.20 Subd. 4a. [NATURAL AND SCENIC AREAS.] The commissioner 14.21 shall administer a program to provide grants to units of 14.22 government and school districts for the acquisition and 14.23 betterment of natural and scenic areas such as blufflands, 14.24 prairies, shorelands, wetlands, and wooded areas. A grant may 14.25 not exceed 50 percent or$200,000$500,000, whichever is less, 14.26 of the costs of acquisition and betterment of land acquired 14.27 under this subdivision. 14.28 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 85.019, is 14.29 amended by adding a subdivision to read: 14.30 Subd. 4b. [REGIONAL TRAILS.] The commissioner shall 14.31 administer a program to provide grants to units of government 14.32 for locally funded trails of regional significance. A grant may 14.33 not exceed 50 percent or $250,000, whichever is less, of the 14.34 costs to purchase interests in land, develop, or renovate 14.35 locally funded trails under this subdivision. 14.36 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 103F.725, 15.1 subdivision 1a, is amended to read: 15.2 Subd. 1a. [FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; LOANS.] (a) Up to 15.3$24,000,000$36,000,000 of the balance in the water pollution 15.4 control revolving fund in section 446A.07, as determined by the 15.5 public facilities authority shall be appropriated to the 15.6 commissioner for the establishment of a clean water partnership 15.7 loan program. 15.8 (b) The agency may award loans for up to 100 percent of the 15.9 costs associated with activities identified by the agency as 15.10 best management practices pursuant to section 319 and section 15.11 320 of the federal Water Quality Act of 1987, as amended, 15.12 including associated administrative costs. 15.13 (c) Loans may be used to finance clean water partnership 15.14 grant project eligible costs not funded by grant assistance. 15.15 (d) The interest rate, at or below market rate, and the 15.16 term, not to exceed 20 years, shall be determined by the agency 15.17 in consultation with the public facilities authority. 15.18 (e) The repayment must be deposited in the water pollution 15.19 control revolving fund under section 446A.07. 15.20 (f) The local unit of government receiving the loan is 15.21 responsible for repayment of the loan. 15.22 (g) For the purpose of obtaining a loan from the agency, a 15.23 local government unit may provide to the agency its general 15.24 obligation note. All obligations incurred by a local government 15.25 unit in obtaining a loan from the agency must be in accordance 15.26 with chapter 475, except that so long as the obligations are 15.27 issued to evidence a loan from the agency to the local 15.28 government unit, an election is not required to authorize the 15.29 obligations issued, and the amount of the obligations shall not 15.30 be included in determining the net indebtedness of the local 15.31 government unit under the provisions of any law or chapter 15.32 limiting the indebtedness. 15.33 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.16, 15.34 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 15.35 Subd. 5. [RULES.] (a) The agency shall promulgate 15.36 permanent rules for the administration of grants and loans 16.1 authorized to be made under the water pollution control program, 16.2 which rules, however, shall not be applicable to the issuance of 16.3 bonds by the commissioner of finance as provided in section 16.4 116.17. The rules shall contain as a minimum: 16.5 (1) procedures for application by municipalities; 16.6 (2) conditions for the administration of the grant or loan; 16.7 (3) criteria for the ranking of projects in order of 16.8 priority for grants or loans, based on factors including the 16.9 extent and nature of pollution, technological feasibility, 16.10 assurance of proper operation, maintenance and replacement, and 16.11 participation in multimunicipal systems; and 16.12 (4) such other matters as the agency and the commissioner 16.13 find necessary to the proper administration of the grant program. 16.14 (b) The agency shall award the amount of additional 16.15 priority points necessary to place a project in the fundable 16.16 range of the intended use plan if the agency determines that the 16.17 project would repair a facility that is an imminent threat to 16.18 discharge untreated or partially treated sewage to the Boundary 16.19 Waters Canoe Area Wilderness if it fails. 16.20 (c) For purposes of awarding independent state grants, the 16.21 agency may by rule waive the federal 20-year planning 16.22 requirement for municipalities with a population of less than 16.23 1,500. 16.24 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 1997 Supplement, section 16.25 116.18, subdivision 3c, is amended to read: 16.26 Subd. 3c. [INDIVIDUAL ON-SITE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND 16.27 ALTERNATIVE DISCHARGING SEWAGE SYSTEMS PROGRAM.] (a) Beginning 16.28 in fiscal year 1989, up to ten percent of the money to be 16.29 awarded as grants under subdivision 3a in any single fiscal 16.30 year, up to a maximum of $1,000,000, may be set aside for the 16.31 award of grants by the agency to municipalities to reimburse 16.32 owners of individual on-site wastewater treatment systems or 16.33 alternative discharging sewage systems for a part of the costs 16.34 of upgrading or replacing the systems. 16.35 (b) An individual on-site treatment system is a wastewater 16.36 treatment system, or part thereof, that uses soil treatment and 17.1 disposal technology to treat 5,000 gallons or less of wastewater 17.2 per day from dwellings or other establishments. 17.3 (c) An alternative discharging sewage system is a system 17.4 permitted under section 115.58 that: 17.5 (1) serves one or more dwellings and other establishments; 17.6 (2) discharges less than 10,000 gallons of water per day; 17.7 and 17.8 (3) uses any treatment and disposal methods other than 17.9 subsurface soil treatment and disposal. 17.10 (d) Municipalities may apply yearly for grants of up to 50 17.11 percent of the cost of replacing or upgrading individual on-site 17.12 treatment systems, including conversion to an alternative 17.13 discharging sewage system, within their jurisdiction, up to a 17.14 limit of $5,000 per system or per connection to a cluster 17.15 system. Before agency approval of the grant application, a 17.16 municipality must certify that: 17.17 (1) it has adopted and is enforcing the requirements of 17.18 Minnesota Rules governing individual sewage treatment systems; 17.19 (2) the existing systems for which application is made do 17.20 not conform to those rules, are at least 20 years old, do not 17.21 serve seasonal residences, and were not constructed with state 17.22 or federal funds; and 17.23 (3) the costs requested do not include administrative 17.24 costs, costs for improvements or replacements made before the 17.25 application is submitted to the agency unless it pertains to the 17.26 plan finally adopted, and planning and engineering costs other 17.27 than those for the individual site evaluations and system design. 17.28(d)(e) The federal and state regulations regarding the 17.29 award of state and federal wastewater treatment grants do not 17.30 apply to municipalities or systems funded under this 17.31 subdivision, except as provided in this subdivision. 17.32(e)(f) The agency shall adopt permanent rules regarding 17.33 priorities, distribution of funds, payments, inspections, 17.34 procedures for administration of the agency's duties, and other 17.35 matters that the agency finds necessary for proper 17.36 administration of grants awarded under this subdivision. 18.1 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.182, 18.2 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 18.3 Subdivision 1. [DEFINITIONS.] (a) For the purposes of this 18.4 section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings 18.5 given them. 18.6 (b) "Agency" means the pollution control agency. 18.7 (c) "Authority" means the public facilities authority 18.8 established in section 446A.03. 18.9 (d) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the pollution 18.10 control agency. 18.11 (e) "Essential project components" means those components 18.12 of a wastewater disposal system that are necessary to convey or 18.13 treat a municipality's existing wastewater flows and loadings, 18.14 and future wastewater flows and loadings based on 50 percent of 18.15 the projected residential growth of the municipality for a 18.16 20-year period. 18.17 (f) "Municipality" means a county, home rule charter or 18.18 statutory city, town, the metropolitan council, an Indian tribe 18.19 or an authorized Indian tribal organization; or any other 18.20 governmental subdivision of the state responsible by law for the 18.21 prevention, control, and abatement of water pollution in any 18.22 area of the state. 18.23 (g) "Outstanding international resource value waters" are 18.24 the surface waters of the state in the Lake Superior Basin, 18.25 other than Class 7 waters and those waters designated as 18.26 outstanding resource value waters. 18.27 (h) "Outstanding resource value waters" are those that have 18.28 high water quality, wilderness characteristics, unique 18.29 scientific or ecological significance, exceptional recreation 18.30 value, or other special qualities that warrant special 18.31 protection. 18.32 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 116.182, is 18.33 amended by adding a subdivision to read: 18.34 Subd. 3a. [NOTIFICATION OF OTHER GOVERNMENT UNITS.] (a) In 18.35 addition to other applicable statutes or rules that are required 18.36 to receive financial assistance consistent with this 19.1 subdivision, the commissioner may not approve or certify a 19.2 project to the public facilities authority for wastewater 19.3 financial assistance unless the requirements in paragraphs (b) 19.4 to (g) met: 19.5 (b) Prior to the initiation of the public facilities 19.6 planning process for a new wastewater treatment system, the 19.7 project proposer must give written notice to all municipalities 19.8 within ten miles of the proposed project service area, including 19.9 the county in which the project is located, the office of 19.10 strategic and long-range planning, and the pollution control 19.11 agency. The notice shall state the proposer's intent to begin 19.12 the facilities planning process and provide a description of the 19.13 need for the proposed project. The notice also shall request a 19.14 response within 30 days of the notice date from all government 19.15 units that wish to receive and comment on the future facilities 19.16 plan for the proposed project. 19.17 (c) During development of the facility plan's analysis of 19.18 service alternatives, the project proposer must request 19.19 information from all municipalities and sanitary districts which 19.20 have existing systems that have current capacity to meet the 19.21 proposer's needs or can be upgraded to meet those needs. At a 19.22 minimum, the proposer must notify in writing those 19.23 municipalities and sanitary districts whose corporate limits or 19.24 boundaries are within three miles of the proposed project's 19.25 service area. 19.26 (d) Sixty days prior to the municipality's public hearing 19.27 on the facilities plan, a copy of the draft facilities plan and 19.28 notice of the public hearing on the facilities plan must be 19.29 given to the local government units that previously expressed 19.30 interest in the proposed project under paragraph (b). 19.31 (e) For a proposed project located or proposed to be 19.32 located outside the corporate limits of a city, the affected 19.33 county has certified to the agency that the proposed project is 19.34 consistent with the applicable county comprehensive plan and 19.35 zoning and subdivision regulations. 19.36 (f) Copies of the notifications required under paragraphs 20.1 (b) and (c), as well as the certification from the county and a 20.2 summary of the comments received, must be included by the 20.3 municipality in the submission of its facilities plan to the 20.4 pollution control agency, along with other required items as 20.5 specified in the agency's rules. 20.6 (g) At any time within the 60-day period specified in 20.7 paragraph (d), any city in the state within three miles of a 20.8 proposed project located outside the corporate limits of a city 20.9 may file a written objection with the pollution control agency. 20.10 An objection makes the proposed project ineligible for grant 20.11 funding until the city withdraws its objection or the pollution 20.12 control agency board certifies that the proposed project is the 20.13 only feasible and cost-effective option available for servicing 20.14 the proposed area. 20.15 (h) This subdivision does not apply to the western Lake 20.16 Superior sanitary district or the metropolitan council. 20.17 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 446A.072, 20.18 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 20.19 Subd. 2. [TYPE OF SUPPLEMENTAL ASSISTANCE.] Supplemental 20.20 assistance shall be in the form ofzero percent loans, with loan20.21repayments beginning February 20 or August 20 following the20.22scheduled date of the project obtaininggrants. If the project 20.23 does not meet the operational performance standards established 20.24 by the agency within one year after operation of the project has 20.25 begun, the grant must be repaid.Upon receipt of notice from20.26the agency that the project operational performance standards20.27have been met, the authority will forgive the scheduled loan20.28repayments made under this section. If not forgiven, loanGrant 20.29 repayments shall be deferred upon request from the commissioner 20.30 of the agency for six-month periods, provided the commissioner 20.31 has determined that satisfactory progress is being made to 20.32 achieve project performance or is developing or implementing a 20.33 corrective action plan. 20.34 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 446A.072, 20.35 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 20.36 Subd. 4. [FUNDING LEVEL.] (a) The authority shall provide 21.1 supplemental assistance for essential project component costs as 21.2 certified by the commissioner of the pollution control agency 21.3 under section 116.182, subdivision 4. 21.4 (b) A municipality may not receive more than $4,000,000 or 21.5 $2,000,000 when matched with a United States Department of 21.6 Agriculture rural development grant under this section unless 21.7 specifically approved by law. 21.8 (c)The authority will calculate the grant amount needed21.9for the essential project component costs by first determining21.10the amount needed to reduce a municipality's monthly residential21.11sewer service charge to $25 or to an annual residential sewer21.12service charge in excess of 1.5 percent of the municipality's21.13median household income, whichever is less, and then multiplying21.14that amount by 80 percent to determine the actual award amount21.15to supplement loans under section 446A.07 or provide up to21.16one-third of the amount of the grant funding level required by21.17USDA/RECD for projects listed on the agency's intended use plan.21.18(d)The authority shall provide supplemental assistance for 21.19 up to one-half of an eligible grant under the United States 21.20 Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program that will 21.21 reduce municipality's annual residential sewer cost to no more 21.22 than 1.7 percent of the municipality's median household income 21.23 for projects listed on the agency's project priority list, in 21.24 priority order. For municipalities that are not eligible for 21.25 United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development 21.26 funding for wastewater, the authority shall provide supplemental 21.27 assistance for: (1) essential project component costs 21.28 calculated by first determining the amount needed to reduce a 21.29 municipality's annual residential sewer costs to 1.5 percent of 21.30 the municipality's median household income or $25, whichever is 21.31 less, and then multiplying that amount by 80 percent to 21.32 determine the actual award amount to supplement loans under 21.33 section 446A.07; and (2) up to 50 percent of the incremental 21.34 costs specifically identified by the agency as being 21.35 attributable to more stringent wastewater standards required to 21.36 protect outstanding resource value waters or outstanding 22.1 international resource value waters. 22.2 (d) In the event that a municipality's monthly residential 22.3 sewer service charges average above $50, the authority shall 22.4 provide 90 percent of the grant amount needed to reduce the 22.5 average monthly sewer service charge to $50, provided the 22.6 project is ranked in the top 50 percentile of the agency's 22.7 intended use plan. 22.8 (e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), a 22.9 municipality with an annual median household income, based on 22.10 the 1990 federal census, of $40,000 or greater shall not be 22.11 eligible for a grant, except for incremental costs specifically 22.12 identified by the agency as being attributable to more stringent 22.13 wastewater standards required to protect outstanding resource 22.14 value waters or outstanding international resource value waters. 22.15 (f) The authority shall provide supplemental assistance to 22.16 a municipality that would not otherwise qualify for supplemental 22.17 assistance if: 22.18 (1) the municipality voluntarily accepts a sewer connection 22.19 from another governmental unit to serve residential, industrial, 22.20 or commercial developments that were completed before March 1, 22.21 1996, or are on lots whose plats were recorded before that date; 22.22 and 22.23 (2) fees charged by the municipality for the connection 22.24 must take into account state and federal grants used by the 22.25 municipality for the construction of the treatment plant. 22.26 The amount of supplemental assistance under this paragraph must 22.27 be sufficient to reduce debt service payments under section 22.28 446A.07 to an extent equivalent to a zero percent loan in an 22.29 amount up to the other governmental unit's project costs 22.30 necessary for connection. Eligibility for supplemental 22.31 assistance under this paragraph ends three years after the 22.32 agency certifies that the connection has met the operational 22.33 performance standards established by the agency. 22.34 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 446A.072, 22.35 subdivision 7, is amended to read: 22.36 Subd. 7. [LOANGRANT REPAYMENTS.] Allloangrant 23.1 repayments received by the authority under subdivision 2 must be 23.2 used to provide additional assistance under this section. 23.3 Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 446A.072, 23.4 subdivision 9, is amended to read: 23.5 Subd. 9. [LOANGRANT LIMITATION.] Supplemental assistance 23.6 may not be used to reduce the sewer service charges of a 23.7 significant wastewater contributor, or a single user that has 23.8 caused the need for the project or whose current or projected 23.9 flow and load exceed one-half of the current wastewater 23.10 treatment plant's capacity, unless the applicant can demonstrate 23.11 to the authority that the significant wastewater contributor 23.12 cannot pay its fair share. Funding will not be provided for 23.13 projects that are not qualified for assistance or that would 23.14 violate the state's constitution or laws regarding the use of 23.15 funds appropriated for the program. 23.16 Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 446A.072, 23.17 subdivision 12, is amended to read: 23.18 Subd. 12. [SYSTEM REPLACEMENT FUND.] Each recipient of 23.19 assistance under this section shall establish a system 23.20 replacement fund setting aside a minimum of $.10 per 1,000 23.21 gallons of flow for major rehabilitation, expansion, or 23.22 replacement of the treatment plant at the end of its useful 23.23 life. Money must remain in the account, for the life of the 23.24 loan associated with the supplemental assistance under this 23.25 section, unless use of the fund is approved by the authority for 23.26 major rehabilitation, expansion, or replacement of the treatment 23.27 plant.FailureA municipality that fails to maintain the fund 23.28will cancel the loan forgivenessmust repay the grant as 23.29 provided under subdivision 2. 23.30 Sec. 24. [REPEALER.] 23.31 Minnesota Statutes 1997 Supplement, section 446A.072, 23.32 subdivision 4a, is repealed. 23.33 Sec. 25. [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 23.34 Sections 1 to 24 are effective the day following final 23.35 enactment.