HF 303

3rd Engrossment - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 04/27/2015 03:51pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; appropriating money from the outdoor heritage
fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, and arts and cultural heritage
fund; establishing policy on milkweed; modifying provisions of Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council and Clean Water Council; modifying Water Law;
modifying use of legacy funds; modifying previous appropriations; modifying
certain grant eligibility; requiring a report; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014,
sections 16B.24, by adding a subdivision; 85.53, subdivision 2; 97A.056,
subdivisions 2, 8, 11, by adding subdivisions; 103A.206; 103B.101, by adding
a subdivision; 103C.101, by adding a subdivision; 103C.401, subdivision 1;
103C.501, subdivision 5; 114D.30, subdivision 2; 114D.50, subdivision 4;
129D.17, subdivision 2; Laws 2012, chapter 264, article 1, section 2, subdivision
5; Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 2, section 6; article 3, section 4; Laws 2014,
chapter 256, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5; Laws 2014, chapter 295, section
10, subdivision 12; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters
84; 103B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND

Section 1. new text begin OUTDOOR HERITAGE APPROPRIATION. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the
agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the
outdoor heritage fund for the fiscal year indicated for each purpose. The figures "2016"
and "2017" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under the figure are
available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and June 30, 2017, respectively. The
"first year" is fiscal year 2016. The "second year" is fiscal year 2017. The "biennium" is
fiscal years 2016 and 2017, respectively. The appropriations in this article are onetime.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2016 new text end		new text begin 2017 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 99,386,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 607,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the outdoor
heritage fund. The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the
following subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Prairies new text end

new text begin 40,948,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $4,570,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee
for scientific and natural area purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 5. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land and permanent conservation
easement acquisitions must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $7,452,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management area
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquisition of
lands that are eligible for the native prairie
bank under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native
prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $4,032,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy
to acquire native prairie, wetlands, and
savanna and restore and enhance grasslands,
wetlands, and savanna. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquisition of lands
that are eligible for the native prairie bank
under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or
lands adjacent to protected native prairie.
Annual income statements and balance sheets
for income and expenses from land acquired
with this appropriation must be submitted
to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage
Council no later than 180 days following
the close of The Nature Conservancy's fiscal
year. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan and must be consistent
with the priorities identified in the Minnesota
Prairie Conservation Plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase V new text end

new text begin $3,430,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy
in cooperation with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service to acquire land in
fee or permanent conservation easements
within the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat
Preservation Area in western Minnesota
for addition to the Northern Tallgrass
Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Subject
to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules,
part 6136.0900, priority must be given to
acquisition of lands that are eligible for
the native prairie bank under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to
protected native prairie. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan and
must be consistent with the priorities in the
Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $3,740,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources
to implement the Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan through the acquisition
of permanent conservation easements to
protect native prairie and grasslands. Up
to $165,000 is for establishing monitoring
and enforcement funds as approved in
the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
permanent conservation easements must be
provided as part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (f) Minnesota Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase V new text end

new text begin $4,544,000 in the first year is to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements to protect
and enhance habitat by expanding the clean
water fund riparian buffer program for at
least equal wildlife benefits from buffers
on private land. Up to $72,500 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (g) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase V new text end

new text begin $1,380,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Trust for Public Land to
acquire and restore lands in the Cannon River
watershed for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley new text end

new text begin $1,800,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pheasants Forever in
cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie
Chicken Society to acquire and restore lands
in the southern Red River Valley for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8,
or for designation and management as
waterfowl production areas in Minnesota,
in cooperation with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (i) Protecting and Restoring Minnesota's Important Bird Areas new text end

new text begin $1,730,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire conservation
easements within important bird areas
identified in the Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan, to be used as follows:
$408,000 is to Audubon Minnesota and
$1,322,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust, of
which up to $100,000 is for establishing
monitoring and enforcement funds as
approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (j) Wild Rice River Corridor Habitat Restoration new text end

new text begin $2,270,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Wild Rice Watershed
District to acquire land in fee and permanent
conservation easement and to `restore river
and related habitat in the Wild Rice River
corridor. A list of proposed acquisitions and
restorations must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (k) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $4,880,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
accelerate the restoration and enhancement
of prairie communities on wildlife
management areas, scientific and natural
areas, state forest land, and land under
native prairie bank easements. A list of
proposed land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (l) Enhanced Public Land Grasslands - Phase II new text end

new text begin $1,120,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to enhance
and restore habitat on public lands. A list of
proposed land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Forests new text end

new text begin 12,634,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase V new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 in the first year is to the
Board of Water and Soil Resources in
cooperation with the Morrison County Soil
and Water Conservation District to acquire
permanent conservation easements within
the boundaries of the Minnesota National
Guard Compatible Use Buffer to protect
forest wildlife habitat. Up to $55,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund, as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
permanent conservation easements must be
provided as part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (b) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase III new text end

new text begin $2,910,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy to
acquire land in fee for wildlife management
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8; to acquire land
in fee for scientific and natural areas
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 5; for state forest purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 7; and to enhance grasslands,
forest, and savanna. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Protecting Pinelands Sands Aquifer Forestlands - Phase II new text end

new text begin $2,180,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
acquire forest lands in Cass and Wadena
Counties for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee
for state forests under Minnesota Statutes,
section 86A.05, subdivision 7. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Protect Key Forest Lands in Cass County - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $442,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Cass County to acquire land
in fee in Cass County for forest wildlife
habitat or to prevent forest fragmentation.
A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Critical Shoreland Protection Program - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,690,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to
acquire permanent conservation easements
along rivers and lakes in the northern
forest region. Up to $220,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund, as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
proposed permanent conservation easements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Partnership new text end

new text begin $3,002,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
acquire lands in fee and for permanent
conservation easements in the Mississippi
Headwaters and for agreements as follows:
$1,217,000 to The Trust for Public Land;
and $824,000 to Minnesota Land Trust,
of which up to $80,000 is for establishing
a monitoring and enforcement fund as
approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be included as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (g) Southeast Forest Habitat Enhancement new text end

new text begin $910,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
enhance forests in southeastern Minnesota.
A list of proposed land enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Wetlands new text end

new text begin 22,578,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Accelerating the Waterfowl Production Area Acquisition - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $7,620,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
land in fee to be designated and managed as
waterfowl production areas in Minnesota,
in cooperation with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Living Shallow Lakes and Wetland Initiative - Phase V new text end

new text begin $9,040,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Ducks Unlimited to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8. A list of proposed acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Wild Rice Shoreland Protection Program - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $131,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for the
acquisition of land in fee and $1,469,000 is
to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to
acquire permanent conservation easements
on wild rice lake shoreland habitat for native
wild rice bed protection. Of this amount, up
to $90,000 to the Board of Water and Soil
Resources is for establishing a monitoring
and enforcement fund as approved in
the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. A list of proposed fee land
acquisitions must be included as part of
the required accomplishment plan by the
Department of Natural Resources and a list
of permanent conservation easements must
be provided as part of the final report by the
Board of Water and Soil Resources.
new text end

new text begin (d) Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Enhancement - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $4,318,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
enhance and restore shallow lakes statewide.
A list of proposed land restorations and
enhancements must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Habitats new text end

new text begin 22,368,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) DNR Aquatic Habitat - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $4,540,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
interests in land in fee and permanent
conservation easements for aquatic
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14,
and 97C.02, to acquire interests in land in
permanent conservation easements for fish
and wildlife habitat under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.66, and to restore and enhance
aquatic habitat. Up to $130,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
proposed land acquisitions and restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Metro Big Rivers - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire land in fee and in
permanent conservation easements and
to restore and enhance natural systems
associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota,
and St. Croix Rivers as follows: $475,000 to
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Trust, Inc.; $275,000 to Friends of the
Mississippi River; $400,000 to Great River
Greening; $375,000 to Minnesota Land Trust;
and $475,000 to The Trust for Public Land.
Up to $60,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
proposed land acquisitions and permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $1,890,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited
to restore and enhance habitat for trout
and other species in and along coldwater
rivers and streams in Minnesota. A list of
proposed restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Lake Bemidji South Shore Restoration and Enhancement new text end

new text begin $1,650,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Bemidji to
restore and enhance fish habitat on Lake
Bemidji. A list of proposed restorations and
enhancements must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Sand Hill River Fish Passage new text end

new text begin $990,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Sand Hill River
Watershed District to restore fish habitat
in the Sand Hill River watershed. A list of
proposed restorations must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $2,414,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Shell Rock River
Watershed District to protect, restore,
and enhance aquatic habitat in the Shell
Rock River watershed. A list of proposed
acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (g) Lake Nokomis Integrated Habitat Enhancement new text end

new text begin $444,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to enhance aquatic habitat
on Lake Nokomis. A list of proposed
enhancements must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (h) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Statewide and Metro Habitat - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $8,440,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive, matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for
enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests,
wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game,
or wildlife in Minnesota. Of this amount,
$3,692,000 is for grants in the seven-county
metropolitan area and cities with a population
of 50,000 or greater. Grants shall not be made
for activities required to fulfill the duties
of owners of lands subject to conservation
easements. Grants shall not be made from the
appropriation in this paragraph for projects
that have a total project cost exceeding
$575,000. Of this appropriation, $596,000
may be spent for personnel costs and other
direct and necessary administrative costs.
Grantees may acquire land or interests in
land. Easements must be permanent. Grants
may not be used to establish easement
stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee
must be open to hunting and fishing during
the open season unless otherwise provided
by law. The program must require a match
of at least ten percent from nonstate sources
for all grants. The match may be cash or
in-kind resources. For grant applications
of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall
provide a separate, simplified application
process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the
commissioner of natural resources shall,
when evaluating projects of equal value,
give priority to organizations that have a
history of receiving or a charter to receive
private contributions for local conservation
or habitat projects. If acquiring land or a
conservation easement, priority must be
given to projects associated with or within
one mile of existing wildlife management
areas under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural
areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections
84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02.
All restoration or enhancement projects
must be on land permanently protected by
a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual
maintenance and protection of restored
and enhanced habitat, by a conservation
easement, or by public ownership or in
public waters as defined in Minnesota
Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision
15. Priority must be given to restoration
and enhancement projects on public lands.
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 13, applies to grants awarded
under this paragraph. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2018. No less than
five percent of the amount of each grant
must be held back from reimbursement until
the grant recipient has completed a grant
accomplishment report by the deadline and
in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
The commissioner shall provide notice of
the grant program in the game and fish law
summary prepared under Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.051, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Administration new text end

new text begin 858,000 new text end

new text begin 607,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Contract Management new text end

new text begin $150,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
contract management duties assigned in this
section. The commissioner shall provide an
accomplishment plan in the form specified by
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
on the expenditure of this appropriation.
The accomplishment plan must include a
copy of the grant contract template and
reimbursement manual. No money may
be expended prior to the Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council's approval of the
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Legislative Coordinating Commission new text end

new text begin $608,000 in the first year and $607,000
in the second year are to the Legislative
Coordinating Commission for administrative
expenses of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council and for compensation and
expense reimbursement of council members.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2017. Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.281,
applies to this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Technical Evaluation Panel new text end

new text begin $100,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
technical evaluation panel to conduct up to
ten restoration evaluations under Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin (d) Land Acquisition Report new text end

new text begin The staff of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council, in consultation with the
commissioner of natural resources, shall
prepare a report on outdoor heritage fund
land acquisitions as of June 30, 2015, that
includes:
new text end

new text begin (1) the total number of acres, by county and
by type, acquired in fee and the percentage
of land in each county acquired in fee;
new text end

new text begin (2) the average price paid per acre, by county,
for lands acquired in fee;
new text end

new text begin (3) the total number of acres, by county, for
land acquired in easement;
new text end

new text begin (4) the average price paid per acre, by county,
for land acquired in easement;
new text end

new text begin (5) the total number of acres, by county,
estimated to be acquired in fee and the total
number of acres, by county, estimated to
be acquired in easement over the life of the
outdoor heritage fund if the current rate of
acquisition continues;
new text end

new text begin (6) the number and percentage of sellers by
category, including the number of corporate
and other private sellers, nonprofit sellers,
and public sellers;
new text end

new text begin (7) the total amount of property taxes paid
during the five years prior to acquisition,
including statewide business property taxes,
if any, on the acres acquired in fee by county;
new text end

new text begin (8) the total of payment-in-lieu of tax
payments made for lands acquired with
outdoor heritage funds and the estimate
of future payment-in-lieu of tax payments
based on the estimated total number of acres
acquired over the life of the outdoor heritage
fund; and
new text end

new text begin (9) the total amount of land acquired in fee
by the state, excluding lands acquired by the
commissioner of transportation, with any
funds over the last ten years.
new text end

new text begin The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
must submit the report to the Legislative
Coordinating Commission, and the chairs
and ranking minority members of the house
of representatives and senate committees
and divisions with jurisdiction over the
environment and natural resources, the
outdoor heritage fund, and finance and the
house of representatives Committee on Ways
and Means by January 15, 2016. The report
must be posted on the Web site required
under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303,
subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Availability of Appropriation new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may
not be spent on activities unless they are
directly related to and necessary for a
specific appropriation and are specified in
the accomplishment plan approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
Money appropriated in this section must not
be spent on indirect costs or other institutional
overhead charges that are not directly related
to and necessary for a specific appropriation.
Unless otherwise provided, the amounts
in this section are available until June 30,
2018. For acquisition of real property, the
amounts in this section are available until
June 30, 2019, if a binding agreement with a
landowner or purchase agreement is entered
into by June 30, 2018, and closed no later
than June 30, 2019. Money for restoration or
enhancement is available until June 30, 2020,
or five years after acquisition, whichever is
later, in order to complete initial restoration
or enhancement work. If a project receives
at least 15 percent of its funding from federal
funds, the time period of the appropriation
may be extended to equal the availability
of federal funding to a maximum of six
years, provided the federal funding was
confirmed and included within the first draft
accomplishment plan. Money appropriated
for fee title acquisition of land may be used to
restore, enhance, and provide for public use
of the land acquired with the appropriation.
Public use facilities must have a minimal
impact on habitat in acquired lands.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Payment Conditions and Capital Equipment Expenditures new text end

new text begin All agreements referred to in this section must
be administered on a reimbursement basis
unless otherwise provided in this section.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.41, expenditures directly related
to each appropriation's purpose made
on or after July 1, 2015, or the date of
accomplishment plan approval, whichever is
later, are eligible for reimbursement unless
otherwise provided in this section. For the
purposes of administering appropriations
and legislatively authorized agreements paid
out of the outdoor heritage fund, an expense
must be considered reimbursable by the
administering agency when the recipient
presents the agency with an invoice, or
binding agreement with the landowner, and
the recipient attests that the goods have
been received or the landowner agreement
is binding. Periodic reimbursement must
be made upon receiving documentation that
the items articulated in the accomplishment
plan approved by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council have been achieved,
including partial achievements as evidenced
by progress reports approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
Reasonable amounts may be advanced to
projects to accommodate cash flow needs,
support future management of acquired
lands, or match a federal share. The
advances must be approved as part of the
accomplishment plan. Capital equipment
expenditures for specific items in excess of
$10,000 must be itemized in and approved as
part of the accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Mapping new text end

new text begin Each direct recipient of money appropriated
in this section, as well as each recipient of
a grant awarded pursuant to this section,
must provide geographic information to the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
for mapping any lands acquired in fee with
money appropriated in this section and open
to public taking of fish and game. The
commissioner of natural resources shall
include the lands acquired in fee with money
appropriated in this section on maps showing
public recreation opportunities. Maps must
include information on and acknowledgment
of the outdoor heritage fund, including a
notation of any restrictions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Disability Access new text end

new text begin Where appropriate, grant recipients of the
outdoor heritage fund, in consultation with
the Council on Disability, should make
progress toward providing greater access
to programs, print publications, and digital
media for people with disabilities related
to the programs the recipient funds using
appropriations made in this article.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [84.974] MILKWEED.
new text end

new text begin When feasible, the commissioner of natural resources is encouraged to plant
milkweed.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

(a) The Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council of 12 members is created in the legislative branch, consisting of:

(1) two public members appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of
the Committee on Rules and Administration;

(2) two public members appointed by the speaker of the house;

(3) four public members appointed by the governor;

(4) two members of the senate appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees
of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and

(5) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the
house.

(b) Members appointed under paragraph (a) must not be registered lobbyists. In
making appointments, the governor, senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee
on Rules and Administration, and the speaker of the house shall consider geographic
balance, gender, age, ethnicity, and varying interests including hunting and fishing. The
governor's appointments to the council are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

(c) Public members appointed under paragraph (a) shall have practical experience
or expertise or demonstrated knowledge in the science, policy, or practice of restoring,
protecting, and enhancing wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and
wildlife.

(d) Legislative members appointed under paragraph (a) shall include the chairs
of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources
finance or their designee, one member from the minority party of the senate, and one
member from the minority party of the house of representatives.

(e) Public members serve four-year terms. Appointed legislative members serve
at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Public and legislative members continue to
serve until their successors are appointed. Public members shall be initially appointed
according to the following schedule of terms:

(1) two public members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first
Monday in January 2011;

(2) one public member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the
Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January 2011;

(3) one public member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending
the first Monday in January 2011;

(4) two public members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first
Monday in January 2013;

(5) one public member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the
Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January
2013; and

(6) one public member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending
the first Monday in January 2013.

(f) Terms, compensation, and removal of public members are as provided in section
15.0575. A vacancy on the council may be filled by the appointing authority for the
remainder of the unexpired term.

(g) deleted text begin The first meeting of the council shall be convened by the chair of the Legislative
Coordinating Commission no later than December 1, 2008. deleted text end Members shall elect a chair,
vice-chair, secretary, and other officers as determined by the council. The chair may
convene meetings as necessary to conduct the duties prescribed by this section.

(h) deleted text begin Upon coordination with deleted text end The Legislative Coordinating Commission deleted text begin , the council
deleted text end may appoint nonpartisan staff and contract with consultants as necessary to deleted text begin carry out
deleted text end new text begin support new text end the functions of the council. Up to one percent of the money appropriated from the
fund may be used to pay for administrative expenses of the council and for compensation
and expense reimbursement of council members.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Revenues.

new text begin (a) new text end When a parcel of land that was previously purchased with
new text begin money from the new text end outdoor heritage deleted text begin funds deleted text end new text begin fund new text end is transferred to the state, the owner of the
land shall disclose to the council and commissioner of natural resources:

(1) all revenues generated from activities on the land from the time the land was
purchased with new text begin money from the new text end outdoor heritage deleted text begin funds deleted text end new text begin fund new text end until the land was transferred
to the state;

(2) all holding costs associated with managing the land between the time of purchase
with new text begin money from the new text end outdoor heritage deleted text begin funds deleted text end new text begin fund new text end and the time the land was transferred to
the state; and

(3) the total net revenues as determined by subtracting the costs described in clause
(2) from the revenues described in clause (1).

new text begin (b) The owner of the land shall submit the total net revenues determined under
paragraph (a), clause (3), to the state no later than 60 days after the land is transferred to
the state.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end

new text begin Donations. new text end

new text begin A recipient shall not accept a monetary donation or payment
from an owner of land that is acquired in fee in whole or in part with an appropriation from
the outdoor heritage fund that exceeds the documented expenses that are directly related
to and necessary for activities specified in the accomplishment plan approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, unless expressly approved by the Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council in the accomplishment plan. This subdivision does not apply to
donations that are not connected with the acquisition transaction or bargain sales, as defined
by Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.1011-2, provided that the purchase
price reimbursed by the state does not exceed the purchase price paid by the recipient.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016, and applies to money
appropriated on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end

new text begin Haying and grazing. new text end

new text begin Lands acquired with money appropriated from the
outdoor heritage fund may not be used for emergency haying and grazing in response to
federal or state disaster declarations. Conservation grazing under a management plan that
is being implemented prior to the emergency declaration may continue.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Laws 2012, chapter 264, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Habitats

-0-

28,620,000

(a) DNR Aquatic Habitat - Phase IV

$3,480,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
acquire interests in land in fee or permanent
conservation easements for aquatic
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and
97C.02, and to restore and enhance aquatic
habitat. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan. The accomplishment
plan must include an easement stewardship
plan. Up to $25,000 is for establishing
a monitoring and enforcement fund as
approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. An annual financial
report is required for any monitoring and
enforcement fund established, including
expenditures from the fund and a description
of annual monitoring and enforcement
activities.

(b) Metro Big Rivers Habitat - Phase III

$3,680,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire interests in land in
fee or permanent conservation easements
and to restore and enhance natural systems
associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota,
and St. Croix Rivers as follows: $1,000,000
to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife
Refuge Trust, Inc.; $375,000 to the Friends
of the Mississippi; $375,000 to Great River
Greening; $930,000 to The Minnesota
Land Trust; and $1,000,000 to The Trust
for Public Land. A list of proposed
acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan. The accomplishment
plan must include an easement stewardship
plan. Up to $51,000 is for establishing
a monitoring and enforcement fund as
approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. An annual financial
report is required for any monitoring and
enforcement fund established, including
expenditures from the fund and a description
of annual monitoring and enforcement
activities.

(c) Dakota County Riparian and Lakeshore Protection and Management - Phase III

$480,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Dakota County to acquire
permanent conservation easements and
restore and enhance habitats along the
Mississippi, Cannon, and Vermillion Rivers.
A list of proposed acquisitions, restorations,
and enhancements must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
The accomplishment plan must include
an easement stewardship plan. Up to
$20,000 is for establishing a monitoring
and enforcement fund as approved in
the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. An annual financial report is
required for any monitoring and enforcement
fund established, including expenditures
from the fund and a description of annual
monitoring and enforcement activities.

(d) Lower St. Louis River Habitat Restoration

$3,670,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
habitat in the lower St. Louis River estuary.
A list of proposed projects must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.

(e) Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement - Phase IV

$2,120,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited
to restore and enhance coldwater fish lake,
river, and stream habitats in Minnesota. A list
of proposed restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(f) Grand Marais Creek Outlet Restoration

$2,320,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Red Lake Watershed
District to restore and enhance stream and
related habitat in Grand Marais Creek. A list
of proposed restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(g) Knife River Habitat Restoration

$380,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Lake Superior Steelhead
Association to restore trout habitat in the
Upper Knife River Watershed. A list of
proposed restorations must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
Notwithstanding rules of the commissioner
of natural resources, restorations conducted
pursuant to this paragraph may be
accomplished by excavation.

(h) Protect Aquatic Habitat from deleted text begin Asian deleted text end new text begin Invasive new text end Carp

$7,500,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources deleted text begin to deleted text end new text begin for
new text end design deleted text begin , construct, operate, and evaluate
deleted text end new text begin construction, including acquisition,
operation, and evaluation of new text end structural
deterrents for deleted text begin Asian deleted text end new text begin invasive new text end carp to protect
Minnesota's aquatic habitat. Use of this
money requires a one-to-one match for
projects on state boundary waters.

(i) Outdoor Heritage Conservation Partners Grant Program - Phase IV

$4,990,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive, matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for
enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests,
wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game,
or wildlife in Minnesota. Grants shall not be
made for activities required to fulfill the duties
of owners of lands subject to conservation
easements. Grants shall not be made from
appropriations in this paragraph for projects
that have a total project cost exceeding
$575,000. $366,000 of this appropriation
may be spent for personnel costs and other
direct and necessary administrative costs.
Grantees may acquire land or interests in
land. Easements must be permanent. Land
acquired in fee must be open to hunting
and fishing during the open season unless
otherwise provided by state law. The
program shall require a match of at least ten
percent from nonstate sources for all grants.
The match may be cash or in-kind resources.
For grant applications of $25,000 or less,
the commissioner shall provide a separate,
simplified application process. Subject to
Minnesota Statutes, the commissioner of
natural resources shall, when evaluating
projects of equal value, give priority to
organizations that have a history of receiving
or charter to receive private contributions
for local conservation or habitat projects. If
acquiring land or a conservation easement,
priority shall be given to projects associated
with existing wildlife management areas
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8; scientific and natural areas
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.033
and 86A.05, subdivision 5; and aquatic
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02.
All restoration or enhancement projects
must be on land permanently protected by a
conservation easement or public ownership
or in public waters as defined in Minnesota
Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision
15. Priority shall be given to restoration
and enhancement projects on public lands.
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 13, applies to grants awarded
under this paragraph. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2016. No less than
five percent of the amount of each grant
must be held back from reimbursement until
the grant recipient has completed a grant
accomplishment report by the deadline and
in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
The commissioner shall provide notice of
the grant program in the game and fish law
summaries that are prepared under Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.051, subdivision 2.

Sec. 9.

Laws 2014, chapter 256, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Habitats

-0-

30,890,000

(a) DNR Aquatic Habitat - Phase VI

$2,560,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
interests in land in fee new text begin and permanent
conservation easements new text end for aquatic
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14,
and 97C.02, and to restore and enhance
aquatic habitat. new text begin Up to $32,500 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. new text end A list of
proposed land acquisitions and restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.

(b) Fisheries Habitat Protection on
Strategic North Central Minnesota Lakes

$2,130,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements with the Leech Lake Area
Watershed Foundation and Minnesota Land
Trust to acquire land in fee and permanent
conservation easements to sustain healthy
fish habitat on lakes in Aitkin, Cass, Crow
Wing, and Hubbard Counties as follows:
$1,150,300 to Leech Lake Area Watershed
Foundation; and $979,700 to Minnesota
Land Trust, of which up to $120,000 to
Minnesota Land Trust is for establishing
a monitoring and enforcement fund as
approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.

(c) Habitat Protection in Dakota County
- Phase V

$1,190,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
contract with Dakota County to acquire
permanent conservation easements and land
in fee and to restore and enhance habitats in
rivers and lake watersheds in Dakota County.
Up to $15,000 to Dakota County is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Lands
acquired or lands with easements acquired
with this appropriation may not be used for
emergency haying and grazing in response
to federal or state disaster declarations.
Conservation grazing under a management
plan that is already being implemented may
continue. A list of proposed land acquisitions
and restorations and enhancements must
be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(d) Metro Big Rivers - Phase V

$2,650,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire land in fee and
permanent conservation easements and
to restore and enhance natural systems
associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota,
and St. Croix Rivers as follows: $600,000
to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife
Refuge Trust, Inc.; $160,000 to Friends of
the Mississippi River; $400,000 to Great
River Greening; $590,000 to Minnesota
Land Trust, of which up to $77,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17; and $900,000 to
The Trust for Public Land. Lands acquired
or lands with easements acquired with
this appropriation may not be used for
emergency haying and grazing in response
to federal or state disaster declarations.
Conservation grazing under a management
plan that is already being implemented may
continue. A list of proposed land acquisitions
and permanent conservation easements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(e) Mustinka River Fish and Wildlife
Habitat Corridor Rehabilitation

$2,440,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Bois de Sioux
Watershed District to acquire land in fee
and to restore natural systems associated
with the Mustinka River located within the
Bois de Sioux Watershed. Lands acquired
with this appropriation may not be used for
emergency haying and grazing in response
to federal or state disaster declarations.
Conservation grazing under a management
plan that is already being implemented may
continue. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(f) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater
Fish Habitat Enhancement and
Restoration - Phase VI

$1,900,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited
to restore and enhance habitat for trout
and other species in and along coldwater
rivers and streams in Minnesota. A list of
proposed land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(g) St. Louis River Restoration Initiative -
Phase II

$2,290,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
habitat in the lower St. Louis River estuary.
Of this appropriation, up to $500,000 is for
an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust. A
list of proposed restorations must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.

(h) Knife River Habitat Rehabilitation -
Phase II

$1,410,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Lake Superior Steelhead
Association to enhance trout habitat in the
Knife River watershed. A list of proposed
enhancements must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.

(i) Restoration and Enhancement of
Washington County Public Lands

$430,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Washington County to
restore and enhance habitat on public lands
in Washington County. A restoration and
enhancement plan and a list of proposed
land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(j) Wirth Park Enhancements

$600,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Minneapolis Park Board
to enhance riparian and upland habitat
within Wirth Park in Hennepin County.
A restoration and enhancement plan and
a list of proposed land restorations and
enhancements must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.

(k) Evaluate Effectiveness of Aquatic
Invasive Species Prevention Strategies

$4,040,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Central Minnesota
Initiative Fund to develop a series of pilot
projects to enhance aquatic habitat by
preventing the spread of aquatic invasive
species, including pilot projects conducting
education and outreach, inspection and
decontamination, enforcement, and other
activities. All pilot projects must be
conducted on a reimbursement basis and
require a match of nonoutdoor heritage fund
dollars. A required evaluation of results
must be funded with nonoutdoor heritage
fund dollars. The required evaluation must
evaluate the efficacy of inspection and
decontamination activities utilized in any of
the pilot projects in preventing the spread
of aquatic invasive species. A list of pilot
projects must be included in the required final
report. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2019. The accomplishment plan
must accelerate the start of the pilot project.

(l) Albert Lea Lake Management and
Invasive Species Control Structure -
Supplement

$700,000 in the second year is added to
the appropriation contained in Laws 2013,
chapter 137, article 1, section 2, subdivision
5, paragraph (h), to the commissioner of
natural resources for an agreement with
the Shell Rock River Watershed District to
construct structural deterrents and lake level
controls.

(m) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant
Program - Phase VI

$4,550,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive, matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for
enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests,
wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game,
or wildlife in Minnesota. Grants shall not
be made for activities required to fulfill
the duties of owners of lands subject to
conservation easements. Grants shall not
be made from the appropriation in this
paragraph for projects that have a total
project cost exceeding $575,000. Of this
appropriation, deleted text begin $460,000 deleted text end new text begin $265,000 new text end may be
spent for personnel costs and other direct and
necessary administrative costs. Grantees may
acquire land or interests in land. Easements
must be permanent. Grants may not be used
to establish easement stewardship accounts.
Land acquired in fee must be open to hunting
and fishing during the open season unless
otherwise provided by law. Lands acquired
or lands with easements acquired with this
appropriation may not be used for emergency
haying and grazing in response to federal
or state disaster declarations. Conservation
grazing under a management plan that is
already being implemented may continue.
The program shall require a match of at
least ten percent from nonstate sources
for all grants. The match may be cash or
in-kind resources. For grant applications
of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall
provide a separate, simplified application
process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the
commissioner of natural resources shall,
when evaluating projects of equal value,
give priority to organizations that have a
history of receiving or charter to receive
private contributions for local conservation
or habitat projects. If acquiring land or a
conservation easement, priority shall be
given to projects associated with or within
one mile of existing wildlife management
areas under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural
areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections
84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02.
All restoration or enhancement projects
must be on land permanently protected by
a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual
maintenance and protection of restored
and enhanced habitat, by a conservation
easement, or by public ownership or in public
waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority
shall be given to restoration and enhancement
projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies
to grants awarded under this paragraph.
This appropriation is available until June
30, 2018. No less than five percent of the
amount of each grant must be held back from
reimbursement until the grant recipient has
completed a grant accomplishment report by
the deadline and in the form prescribed by
and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council. The commissioner shall
provide notice of the grant program in
the game and fish law summary prepared
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.051,
subdivision 2.

(n) Conservation Partners Legacy Metro
Grant Program

$4,000,000 in the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive, matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for
enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests,
wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game,
or wildlife in the seven-county metropolitan
area and cities with a population of 50,000
or greater. Grants shall not be made for
activities required to fulfill the duties of
owners of lands subject to conservation
easements. Grants shall not be made from the
appropriation in this paragraph for projects
that have a total project cost exceeding
$575,000. Of this appropriation, deleted text begin $70,000
deleted text end new text begin $250,000 new text end may be spent for new text begin personnel costs
and other new text end direct and necessary administrative
costs. Grantees may acquire land or interests
in land. Easements must be permanent.
Grants may not be used to establish easement
stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee
must be open to hunting and fishing during
the open season unless otherwise provided
by law. Lands acquired or lands with
easements acquired with this appropriation
may not be used for emergency haying and
grazing in response to federal or state disaster
declarations. Conservation grazing under
a management plan that is already being
implemented may continue. The program
shall require a match of at least ten percent
from nonstate sources for all grants. The
match may be cash or in-kind resources.
For grant applications of $25,000 or less,
the commissioner shall provide a separate,
simplified application process. Subject to
Minnesota Statutes, the commissioner of
natural resources shall, when evaluating
projects of equal value, give priority to
organizations that have a history of receiving
or charter to receive private contributions
for local conservation or habitat projects. If
acquiring land or a conservation easement,
priority shall be given to projects associated
with or within one mile of existing wildlife
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
section 86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific
and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision
5; or aquatic management areas under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05,
subdivision 14, and 97C.02. All restoration
or enhancement projects must be on land
permanently protected by a permanent
covenant ensuring perpetual maintenance
and protection of restored and enhanced
habitat, by a conservation easement, or
by public ownership or in public waters
as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority shall
be given to restoration and enhancement
projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies
to grants awarded under this paragraph.
This appropriation is available until June
30, 2018. No less than five percent of the
amount of each grant must be held back from
reimbursement until the grant recipient has
completed a grant accomplishment report by
the deadline and in the form prescribed by
and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council. The commissioner shall
provide notice of the grant program in
the game and fish law summary prepared
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.051,
subdivision 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2014.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin PAYMENT-IN-LIEU OF TAX ALTERNATIVES;
RECOMMENDATIONS.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of management and budget, in consultation with the
commissioners of natural resources and revenue, shall examine alternatives to
payment-in-lieu of tax payments under Minnesota Statutes, sections 477A.10 to 477A.14,
including a trust fund approach, that would apply to land acquired with money from the
outdoor heritage fund and other dedicated funds. The examination must take into account
the ongoing costs to the state and local units of government associated with the acquisition
of the land and any constitutional constraints. The commissioner of management and
budget shall submit recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the
environment and natural resources, legacy funds, and taxes no later than January 15, 2016.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

CLEAN WATER FUND

Section 1. new text begin CLEAN WATER FUND APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the
agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the
clean water fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for allowable activities
under the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 15. The figures "2016" and "2017"
used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, or June 30, 2017, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal
year 2016. "The second year" is fiscal year 2017. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2016
and 2017. The appropriations in this article are onetime.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2016 new text end		new text begin 2017 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin CLEAN WATER new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 113,203,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 112,999,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
sections.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Availability of Appropriation new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this article may
not be spent on activities unless they are
directly related to and necessary for a
specific appropriation. Money appropriated
in this article must be spent in accordance
with Minnesota Management and Budget's
Guidance to Agencies on Legacy Fund
Expenditure. Notwithstanding Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.28, and unless
otherwise specified in this article, fiscal year
2016 appropriations are available until June
30, 2017, and fiscal year 2017 appropriations
are available until June 30, 2018. If a project
receives federal funds, the time period of
the appropriation is extended to equal the
availability of federal funding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Disability Access new text end

new text begin Where appropriate, grant recipients of clean
water funds, in consultation with the Council
on Disability, should make progress toward
providing greater access to programs, print
publications, and digital media for people
with disabilities related to the programs the
recipient funds using appropriations made
in this article.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 5,834,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 5,832,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the
second year are to increase monitoring for
pesticides and pesticide degradates in surface
water and groundwater and to use data
collected to assess pesticide use practices.
new text end

new text begin (b) $2,586,000 the first year and $2,585,000
the second year are for monitoring and
evaluating trends in the concentration of
nitrate in groundwater in areas vulnerable
to groundwater degradation; monitoring
for pesticides when nitrate is detected;
promoting, developing, and evaluating
regional and crop-specific nutrient best
management practices; assessing best
management practice adoption; education
and technical support from University of
Minnesota Extension; and other actions to
protect groundwater from degradation from
nitrate. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2018.
new text end

new text begin (c) $75,000 the first year and $75,000 the
second year are for administering clean water
funds managed through the agriculture best
management practices loan program. Any
unencumbered balance at the end of the
second year shall be added to the corpus of
the loan fund.
new text end

new text begin (d) $1,125,000 the first year and $1,125,000
the second year are for technical assistance,
research, and demonstration projects on
proper implementation of best management
practices and more precise information on
nonpoint contributions to impaired waters.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2020.
new text end

new text begin (e) $788,000 the first year and $787,000 the
second year are for research to quantify and
reduce agricultural contributions to impaired
waters and for development and evaluation
of best management practices to protect and
restore water resources. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2020.
new text end

new text begin (f) $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the
second year are for a research inventory
database containing water-related research
activities. Costs for information technology
development or support for this research
inventory database may be paid to the Office
of MN.IT Services. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2018.
new text end

new text begin (g) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are to implement the Minnesota
agricultural water quality certification
program statewide. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2020.
new text end

new text begin (h) $110,000 the first year and $110,000 the
second year are to provide funding for a
regional irrigation water quality specialist
through University of Minnesota Extension.
new text end

new text begin (i) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are for a perennial and cover crop
research program to develop perennial and
cover cropping systems specific to Minnesota
that are necessary to protect and restore the
state's surface and groundwater resources
while increasing efficiency, profitability, and
productivity of Minnesota farmers. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2018.
new text end

new text begin (j) A portion of the funds in this section may
be used for programs to train state and local
outreach staff in the intersection between
agricultural economics and agricultural
conservation.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 9,250,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 9,250,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $9,000,000 the first year and $9,000,000
the second year are for the point source
implementation grants program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.073. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2020.
new text end

new text begin (b) $250,000 the first year and $250,000
the second year are for small community
wastewater treatment grants and loans under
Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.075. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2020.
new text end

new text begin (c) If there are any uncommitted funds at
the end of each fiscal year under paragraph
(a) or (b), the Public Facilities Authority
may transfer the remaining funds to eligible
projects under any of the programs listed
in this section based on their priority rank
on the Pollution Control Agency's project
priority list.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 26,250,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 26,248,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $8,250,000 the first year and $8,250,000
the second year are for completion of 20
percent of the needed statewide assessments
of surface water quality and trends. If the
amount in the first year is insufficient, the
amount in the second year is available in the
first year.
new text end

new text begin (b) $9,795,000 the first year and $9,795,000
the second year are to develop watershed
restoration and protection strategies
(WRAPS), which include total maximum
daily load (TMDL) studies and TMDL
implementation plans for waters listed on
the Unites States Environmental Protection
Agency approved impaired waters list in
accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter
114D. The agency shall complete an average
of ten percent of the TMDLs each year over
the biennium.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,182,000 the first year and $1,181,000
the second year are for groundwater
assessment, including enhancing the
ambient monitoring network, modeling, and
evaluating trends, including the reassessment
of groundwater that was assessed ten to 15
years ago and found to be contaminated.
new text end

new text begin (d) $750,000 the first year and $750,000
the second year are for water quality
improvements in the lower St. Louis River
and Duluth harbor within the St. Louis River
System Area of Concern. This appropriation
must be matched at a rate of 65 percent
nonstate money to 35 percent state money.
new text end

new text begin (e) $275,000 the first year and $275,000 the
second year are for storm water research and
guidance.
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,150,000 the first year and $1,150,000
the second year are for TMDL research and
database development.
new text end

new text begin (g) $900,000 the first year and $900,000
the second year are for national pollutant
discharge elimination system wastewater and
storm water TMDL implementation efforts.
new text end

new text begin (h) $3,623,000 the first year and $3,622,000
the second year are for enhancing the
county-level delivery systems for subsurface
sewage treatment system (SSTS) activities
necessary to implement Minnesota Statutes,
sections 115.55 and 115.56, for protection
of groundwater, including base grants
for all counties with SSTS programs and
competitive grants to counties with specific
plans to significantly reduce water pollution
by reducing the number of systems that
are an imminent threat to public health or
safety or are otherwise failing. Counties that
receive base grants must report the number
of sewage noncompliant properties upgraded
through SSTS replacement, connection
to a centralized sewer system, or other
means, including property abandonment
or buy-out. Counties also must report
the number of existing SSTS compliance
inspections conducted in areas under county
jurisdiction. These required reports are to
be part of established annual reporting for
SSTS programs. Counties that conduct SSTS
inventories or those with an ordinance in
place that requires an SSTS to be inspected
as a condition of transferring property or as a
condition of obtaining a local permit must be
given priority for competitive grants under
this paragraph. Of this amount, $750,000
each year is available to counties for grants to
low-income landowners to address systems
that pose an imminent threat to public health
or safety or fail to protect groundwater. A
grant awarded under this paragraph may not
exceed $500,000 for the biennium. A county
receiving a grant under this paragraph must
submit a report to the agency listing the
projects funded, including an account of the
expenditures.
new text end

new text begin (i) $275,000 the first year and $275,000
the second year are for a storm water
best management practice performance
evaluation and technology transfer program
to enhance data and information management
of storm water best management practices;
evaluate best management performance
and effectiveness to support meeting total
maximum daily loads; develop standards
and incorporate state of the art guidance
using minimal impact design standards as
the model; and implement a knowledge
and technology transfer system across
local government, industry, and regulatory
sectors for pass-through to the University of
Minnesota. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2018.
new text end

new text begin (j) $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the
second year are to support activities of the
Clean Water Council according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 114D.30, subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (k) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations in this
section encumbered on or before June 30,
2017, as grants or contracts are available
until June 30, 2020.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for stream flow
monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,300,000 the first year and $1,300,000
the second year are for lake Index of
Biological Integrity (IBI) assessments.
new text end

new text begin (c) $135,000 the first year and $135,000
the second year are for assessing mercury
and other contaminants of fish, including
monitoring to track the status of impaired
waters over time.
new text end

new text begin (d) $1,940,000 the first year and $1,940,000
the second year are for developing targeted,
science-based watershed restoration and
protection strategies.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,375,000 the first year and $1,375,000
the second year are for water supply planning,
aquifer protection, and monitoring activities.
new text end

new text begin (f) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for technical assistance to
support local implementation of nonpoint
source restoration and protection activities,
including water quality protection in forested
watersheds.
new text end

new text begin (g) $675,000 the first year and $675,000 the
second year are for applied research and tools,
including watershed hydrologic modeling;
maintaining and updating spatial data for
watershed boundaries, streams, and water
bodies and integrating high-resolution digital
elevation data; assessing effectiveness of
forestry best management practices for water
quality; and developing a biomonitoring
database.
new text end

new text begin (h) $250,000 the first year and $250,000
the second year are for developing county
geologic atlases.
new text end

new text begin (i) $325,000 the first year and $325,000 the
second year are for analysis and mapping
in each county related to compliance
with riparian buffer or alternate practice
requirements and to provide statewide
coordination and guidance to local units of
government for implementation of buffer
requirements. Maps must be provided to
local units of government and made available
to landowners on the Department of Natural
Resources' Web site.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 58,131,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 58,132,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $8,929,000 the first year and $8,929,000
the second year are for grants to local
government units organized for the
management of water in a watershed or
subwatershed that have multiyear plans
that will result in a significant reduction in
water pollution in a selected subwatershed.
The grants may be used for establishment
of riparian buffers; practices to store
water for natural treatment and infiltration,
including rain gardens; capturing storm
water for reuse; stream bank, shoreland, and
ravine stabilization; enforcement activities;
and implementation of best management
practices for feedlots within riparian areas
and other practices demonstrated to be
most effective in protecting, enhancing, and
restoring water quality in lakes, rivers, and
streams and protecting groundwater from
degradation. Grant recipients must identify
a nonstate match and may use other legacy
funds to supplement projects funded under
this paragraph. Grants awarded under this
paragraph are available for four years and
priority must be given to the best designed
plans each year.
new text end

new text begin (b) $14,775,000 the first year and
$14,775,000 the second year are for grants
to protect and restore surface water and
drinking water; to keep water on the land; to
protect, enhance, and restore water quality
in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect
groundwater and drinking water, including
feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage
treatment system projects and stream bank,
stream channel, shoreline restoration,
and ravine stabilization projects. The
projects must use practices demonstrated
to be effective, be of long-lasting public
benefit, include a match, and be consistent
with total maximum daily load (TMDL)
implementation plans, watershed restoration
and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local
water management plans or their equivalents.
A portion of these funds may be used to seek
administrative efficiencies through shared
resources by multiple local governmental
units.
new text end

new text begin (c) $6,000,000 the first year and $6,000,000
the second year are for targeted local
resource protection and enhancement grants
and statewide program enhancements for
technical assistance, citizen and community
outreach, and training and certification, as
well as projects, practices, and programs that
supplement or otherwise exceed current state
standards for protection, enhancement, and
restoration of water quality in lakes, rivers,
and streams or that protect groundwater from
degradation, including compliance.
new text end

new text begin (d) $950,000 the first year and $950,000
the second year are to provide state
oversight and accountability, evaluate
results, provide implementation tools, and
measure the value of conservation program
implementation by local governments,
including submission to the legislature by
March 1 each even-numbered year a biennial
report prepared by the board, in consultation
with the commissioners of natural resources,
health, agriculture, and the Pollution Control
Agency, detailing the recipients, the projects
funded under this section, and the amount of
pollution reduced.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for grants to local units
of government to enhance compliance
with riparian buffer or alternate practice
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (f) $10,043,000 the first year and $10,044,000
the second year are to restore or preserve
permanent conservation on riparian buffers
adjacent to lakes, rivers, streams, and
tributaries, to keep water on the land in order
to decrease sediment, pollutant, and nutrient
transport; reduce hydrologic impacts to
surface waters; and increase infiltration for
groundwater recharge. This appropriation
may be used for restoration of riparian
buffers permanently protected by easements
purchased with this appropriation or contracts
to achieve permanent protection for riparian
buffers or stream bank restorations when the
riparian buffers have been restored. Up to
$344,000 is for deposit in a monitoring and
enforcement account.
new text end

new text begin (g) $1,750,000 the first year and $1,750,000
the second year are for permanent
conservation easements on wellhead
protection areas under Minnesota Statutes,
section 103F.515, subdivision 2, paragraph
(d), or for grants to local units of government
for fee title acquisition to permanently
protect groundwater supply sources on
wellhead protection areas or for otherwise
assuring long-term protection of groundwater
supply sources as described under alternative
management tools in the Department
of Agriculture's Nitrogen Fertilizer
Management Plan, including low nitrogen
cropping systems or implementing nitrogen
fertilizer best management practices. Priority
must be placed on land that is located where
the vulnerability of the drinking water supply
is designated as high or very high by the
commissioner of health, where drinking
water protection plans have identified
specific activities that will achieve long-term
protection, and on lands with expiring
Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
Up to $52,500 is for deposit in a monitoring
and enforcement account.
new text end

new text begin (h) $750,000 the first year and $750,000
the second year are for community partner
grants to local units of government for:
(1) structural or vegetative management
practices that reduce storm water runoff
from developed or disturbed lands to reduce
the movement of sediment, nutrients, and
pollutants for restoration, protection, or
enhancement of water quality in lakes, rivers,
and streams and to protect groundwater
and drinking water; and (2) installation
of proven and effective water retention
practices including, but not limited to, rain
gardens and other vegetated infiltration
basins and sediment control basins in order
to keep water on the land. The projects must
be of long-lasting public benefit, include a
local match, and be consistent with TMDL
implementation plans, watershed restoration
and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local
water management plans or their equivalents.
Local government unit costs may be used as
a match.
new text end

new text begin (i) $84,000 the first year and $84,000 the
second year are for a technical evaluation
panel to conduct ten restoration evaluations
under Minnesota Statutes, section 114D.50,
subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin (j) $2,100,000 the first year and $2,100,000
the second year are for assistance, oversight,
and grants to local governments to transition
local water management plans to a watershed
approach as provided for in Minnesota
Statutes, chapters 103B, 103C, 103D, and
114D.
new text end

new text begin (k) $750,000 the first year and $750,000
the second year are for technical assistance
and grants for the conservation drainage
program in consultation with the Drainage
Work Group, coordinated under Minnesota
Statutes, section 103B.101, subdivision
13, that includes projects to improve
multipurpose water management under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103E.015.
new text end

new text begin (l) $9,000,000 the first year and $9,000,000
the second year are to purchase and restore
permanent conservation sites via easements
or contracts to treat and store water on the
land for water quality improvement purposes
and related technical assistance. This work
may be done in cooperation with the United
States Department of Agriculture with a first
priority use to accomplish a conservation
reserve enhancement program, or equivalent,
in the state. Up to $1,285,000 is for deposit
in a monitoring and enforcement account.
new text end

new text begin (m) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are to purchase permanent
conservation easements to protect lands
adjacent to public waters with good water
quality but threatened with degradation. Up
to $190,000 is for deposit in a monitoring
and enforcement account.
new text end

new text begin (n) $500,000 the first year and $500,000
the second year are for a program to
systematically collect data and produce
county, watershed, and statewide estimates
of soil erosion caused by water and wind
along with tracking adoption of conservation
measures to address erosion.
new text end

new text begin (o) $500,000 the first year and $500,000
the second year are to supplement, in equal
amounts, each soil and water conservation
district's general service grant.
new text end

new text begin (p) The Board of Water and Soil
Resources must consider the inclusion
of environmentally suitable annuals the
next time the board establishes or revises
vegetation establishment and enhancement
guidelines for the purposes of riparian
buffers.
new text end

new text begin (q) The board may contract for delivery of
services with Conservation Corps Minnesota
for restoration, maintenance, and other
activities under this section.
new text end

new text begin (r) The board may shift grant or cost-share
funds in this section and may adjust the
technical and administrative assistance
portion of the funds to leverage federal or
other nonstate funds or to address oversight
responsibilities or high-priority needs
identified in local water management plans.
new text end

new text begin (s) The board shall require grantees to specify
the outcomes that will be achieved by the
grants prior to any grant awards.
new text end

new text begin (t) The appropriations in this section are
available until June 30, 2020. Returned grant
funds are available until expended and shall
be regranted consistent with the purposes of
this section.
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 4,013,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,812,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,100,000 the first year and $1,100,000
the second year are for addressing public
health concerns related to contaminants
found in Minnesota drinking water for which
no health-based drinking water standards
exist, including accelerating the development
of health risk limits and improving the
capacity of the department's laboratory to
analyze unregulated contaminants. The
commissioner shall contract with the Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota
to provide an independent review of the
department's drinking water contaminants
of emerging concern program. The review
must include an assessment and ranking of
contaminants that are threats to drinking
water supplies and include benchmarking
that compares efforts at the department with
efforts by other states and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. The
review must be submitted to the Clean Water
Council and the chairs and ranking minority
members of the house of representatives
and senate committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources by June 1, 2016.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,900,000 the first year and $1,900,000
the second year are for protection of drinking
water sources.
new text end

new text begin (c) $113,000 the first year and $112,000 the
second year are for cost-share assistance to
public and private well owners for up to 50
percent of the cost of sealing unused wells.
new text end

new text begin (d) $125,000 the first year and $125,000
the second year are to develop and deliver
groundwater restoration and protection
strategies for use on a watershed scale for use
in local water planning efforts and to provide
resources to local governments for drinking
water source protection activities.
new text end

new text begin (e) $325,000 the first year and $325,000 the
second year are for studying the occurrence
and magnitude of contaminants in private
wells and developing guidance to ensure
that new well placement minimizes the
potential for risks, in cooperation with the
commissioner of agriculture.
new text end

new text begin (f) $275,000 the first year and $75,000
the second year are for development
and implementation of a groundwater
virus monitoring plan, including an
epidemiological study to determine the
association between groundwater virus
concentration and community illness rates.
new text end

new text begin (g) $175,000 the first year and $175,000 the
second year are to prepare a comprehensive
study of and recommendations for regulatory
and nonregulatory approaches to water reuse
for use in the development of state policy for
water reuse in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (h) Unless otherwise specified, the
appropriations in this section are available
until June 30, 2019.
new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,225,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,225,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $975,000 the first year and $975,000
the second year are to implement projects
that address emerging drinking water supply
threats, provide cost-effective regional
solutions, leverage interjurisdictional
coordination, support local implementation
of water supply reliability projects, and
prevent degradation of groundwater
resources in the metropolitan area. These
projects will provide to communities:
new text end

new text begin (1) potential solutions to leverage regional
water use through utilization of surface water,
storm water, wastewater, and groundwater;
new text end

new text begin (2) an analysis of infrastructure requirements
for different alternatives;
new text end

new text begin (3) development of planning level cost
estimates, including capital cost and
operation cost;
new text end

new text begin (4) identification of funding mechanisms
and an equitable cost-sharing structure
for regionally beneficial water supply
development projects; and
new text end

new text begin (5) development of subregional groundwater
models.
new text end

new text begin (b) $250,000 the first year and $250,000
the second year are for the water demand
reduction grant program to encourage
implementation of water demand reduction
measures by municipalities in the
metropolitan area to ensure the reliability and
protection of drinking water supplies.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 103A.206, is amended to read:

103A.206 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION POLICY.

Maintaining and enhancing the quality of soil and water for the environmental and
economic benefits they produce, preventing degradation, and restoring degraded soil and
water resources of this state contribute greatly to the health, safety, economic well-being,
and general welfare of this state and its citizens. Land occupiers have the responsibility to
implement practices that conserve the soil and water resources of the state. Soil and water
conservation measures implemented on private lands in this state provide benefits to the
general public by reducing erosion, sedimentation, siltation, water pollution, and damages
caused by floods. The soil and water conservation policy of the state is to encourage land
occupiers to conserve soil, water, and the natural resources they support through the
implementation of practices that:

(1) control or prevent erosion, sedimentation, siltation, and related pollution in
order to preserve natural resources;

(2) ensure continued new text begin soil health, as defined under section 103C.101, subdivision
10a, and new text end soil productivity;

(3) protect water quality;

(4) prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs;

(5) reduce damages caused by floods;

(6) preserve wildlife;

(7) protect the tax base; and

(8) protect public lands and waters.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Water quality practices; standardized specifications. new text end

new text begin The Board of
Water and Soil Resources shall work with state and federal agencies, academic institutions,
local governments, practitioners, and stakeholders to foster mutual understanding and
provide recommendations for standardized specifications for water quality and soil
conservation protection and improvement practices and projects. The board may convene
working groups or work teams to develop information, education, and recommendations.
new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [103B.801] COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
PLANNING PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin The definitions under section 103B.3363, subdivisions 2
to 4, apply to this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program purposes. new text end

new text begin The purposes of the comprehensive watershed
management plan program under section 103B.101, subdivision 14, paragraph (a), are to:
new text end

new text begin (1) align local water planning purposes and procedures under chapters 103B, 103C,
and 103D on watershed boundaries to create a systematic, watershed-wide, science-based
approach to watershed management;
new text end

new text begin (2) acknowledge and build off existing local government structure, water plan
services, and local capacity;
new text end

new text begin (3) incorporate and make use of data and information, including watershed
restoration and protection strategies under section 114D.26;
new text end

new text begin (4) solicit input and engage experts from agencies, citizens, and stakeholder groups;
new text end

new text begin (5) focus on implementation of prioritized and targeted actions capable of achieving
measurable progress; and
new text end

new text begin (6) serve as a substitute for a comprehensive plan, local water management plan, or
watershed management plan developed or amended, approved, and adopted, according
to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Coordination. new text end

new text begin The board shall develop policies for coordination and
development of comprehensive watershed management plans. To ensure effectiveness
and accountability in meeting the purposes of subdivision 2, these policies must address,
at a minimum:
new text end

new text begin (1) a boundary framework consistent with section 103B.101, subdivision 14,
paragraph (a), and procedures, requirements, and criteria for establishing or modifying
the framework consistent with the goals of section 103A.212. The metropolitan area, as
defined under section 473.121, subdivision 2, may be considered for inclusion in the
boundary framework. If included, the metropolitan area is not excluded from the water
management programs under sections 103B.201 to 103B.255;
new text end

new text begin (2) requirements for coordination, participation, and commitment between local
government units in the development, approval, adoption, and implementation of
comprehensive watershed management plans within planning boundaries identified
according to this subdivision;
new text end

new text begin (3) requirements for consistency with state agency-adopted water and natural
resources-related plans and documents required by chapters 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D,
103E, 103F, 103G, and 114D; and
new text end

new text begin (4) procedures for plan development, review, and approval consistent with the intent
of sections 103B.201, 103B.255, 103B.311, 103B.321, 103D.401, and 103D.405. If the
procedures in these sections are contradictory as applied to a specific proceeding, the
board must establish a forum where the public interest conflicts involved can be presented
and, by consideration of the whole body of water law, the controlling policy can be
determined and apparent inconsistencies resolved.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Plan content. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall develop policies for required
comprehensive watershed management plan content consistent with comprehensive local
water management planning. To ensure effectiveness and accountability in meeting the
purposes of subdivision 2, plan content must include, at a minimum:
new text end

new text begin (1) an analysis and prioritization of issues and resource concerns;
new text end

new text begin (2) measurable goals to address the issues and concerns, including but not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (i) restoration, protection, and preservation of natural surface water and groundwater
storage and retention systems;
new text end

new text begin (ii) minimization of public capital expenditures needed to correct flooding and
water quality problems;
new text end

new text begin (iii) restoration, protection, and improvement of surface water and groundwater
quality;
new text end

new text begin (iv) establishment of more uniform local policies and official controls for surface
water and groundwater management;
new text end

new text begin (v) identification of priority areas for wetland enhancement, restoration, and
establishment;
new text end

new text begin (vi) identification of priority areas for riparian zone management and buffers;
new text end

new text begin (vii) prevention of erosion and soil transport into surface water systems;
new text end

new text begin (viii) promotion of groundwater recharge;
new text end

new text begin (ix) protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational
facilities; and
new text end

new text begin (x) securing other benefits associated with the proper management of surface water
and groundwater;
new text end

new text begin (3) a targeted implementation schedule describing at a minimum the actions,
locations, timeline, estimated costs, method of measurement, and identification of roles
and responsible government units;
new text end

new text begin (4) a description of implementation programs, including how the implementation
schedule will be achieved and how the plan will be administered and coordinated between
local water management responsibilities; and
new text end

new text begin (5) a land and water resource inventory.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Timelines; administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall develop and adopt, by
June 30, 2016, a transition plan for development, approval, adoption, and coordination
of plans consistent with section 103A.212. The transition plan must include a goal of
completing statewide transition to comprehensive watershed management plans by 2025.
The metropolitan area may be considered for inclusion in the transition plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board may use the authority under section 103B.3369, subdivision 9, to
support development or implementation of a comprehensive watershed management
plan under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Authority. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any laws to the contrary, the authorities
granted to local government through chapters 103B, 103C, and 103D are retained when
a comprehensive watershed management plan is adopted as a substitute for a watershed
management plan required under section 103B.231, a county groundwater plan authorized
under section 103B.255, a county water plan authorized under section 103B.311, a
comprehensive plan authorized under section 103C.331, or a watershed management plan
required under section 103D.401 or 103D.405.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 103C.101, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10a. new text end

new text begin Soil health. new text end

new text begin "Soil health" means the continued capacity of soil to
function as a vital living system that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Indicators
of soil health include water infiltration capacity; organic matter content; water holding
capacity; biological capacity to break down plant residue and other substances and
to maintain soil aggregation; nutrient sequestration and cycling capacity; carbon
sequestration; and soil resistance.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 103C.401, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Powers and duties.

In addition to the powers and duties of the state
board provided by other law, the state board shall:

(1) offer to assist the district boards to implement their programs;

(2) keep the district boards of the state informed of the activities and experience of
other districts and facilitate cooperation and an interchange of advice and experience
among the districts;

(3) coordinate the programs and activities of the districts with appropriate agencies
by advice and consultation;

(4) approve or disapprove the plans or programs of districts relating to the use of
state funds administered by the state board;

(5) secure the cooperation and assistance of agencies in the work of the districts
and develop a program to advise and assist appropriate agencies in obtaining state and
federal funds for erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and agriculturally related pollution
control programs;

(6) develop and implement a public information program concerning the districts'
activities and programs, the problems and preventive practices relating to erosion control,
sedimentation, agriculturally related pollution, flood prevention, and the advantages of
formation of districts in areas where their organization is desirable;

(7) consolidate districts without a hearing or a referendum;

(8) assist the statewide program to inventory and classify the types of soils in the
state as determined by the Minnesota Cooperative Soil Survey;

(9) identify research needs and cooperate with other public agencies in research
concerning the nature and extent of erosion, sedimentation, flooding and agriculturally
related pollution, the amounts and sources of sediment and pollutants delivered to the
waters of the state, and long-term soil productivity;

(10) develop structural, land use management practice, and other programs to reduce
or prevent soil erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and agriculturally related pollution;

(11) develop a system of priorities to identify the erosion, flooding, sediment, and
agriculturally related pollution problem areas that most need control systems;

(12) ensure compliance with statewide programs and policies established by the state
board by advice, consultation, and approval of grant agreements with the districts; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(13) service requests from districts to consolidate districts across county boundaries
and facilitate other agreed-to reorganizations of districts with other districts or other
local units of government, including making grants, within the limits of available funds,
to offset the cost of consolidation or reorganization new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (14) develop and implement a state-led technical training and certification program new text end .

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 103C.501, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Contracts by districts.

(a) A district board may contract on a cost-share
basis to furnish financial aid to a land occupier or to a state agency for permanent systems
for erosion or sedimentation control or water quality or water quantity improvements that
are consistent with the district's comprehensive and annual work plans.

new text begin (b) A district board, with approval from the state board and consistent with state
board rules and policies, may contract on a cost-share basis to furnish financial aid to a
land occupier for nonstructural land management practices that are part of a planned
erosion control or water quality improvement plan.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The duration of the contract must, at a minimum, be the time required to
complete the planned systems. A contract must specify that the land occupier is liable for
monetary damages and penalties in an amount up to 150 percent of the financial assistance
received from the district, for failure to complete the systems or practices in a timely
manner or maintain the systems or practices as specified in the contract.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end A contract may provide for cooperation or funding with federal agencies.
A land occupier or state agency may provide the cost-sharing portion of the contract
through services in kind.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end The state board or the district board may not furnish any financial aid for
practices designed only to increase land productivity.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end When a district board determines that long-term maintenance of a system or
practice is desirable, the board may require that maintenance be made a covenant upon
the land for the effective life of the practice. A covenant under this subdivision shall be
construed in the same manner as a conservation restriction under section 84.65.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 114D.30, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Membership; appointment.

(a) The commissioners of natural resources,
agriculture, health, and the Pollution Control Agency, deleted text begin and deleted text end the executive director of the
Board of Water and Soil Resources new text begin , the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota,
and the Metropolitan Council new text end shall each appoint one person from their respective deleted text begin agency
deleted text end new text begin entity new text end to serve as a nonvoting member of the council. Two members of the house of
representatives, including one member from the majority party and one member from the
minority party, appointed by the speaker and two senators, including one member from
the majority party and one member from the minority party, appointed according to the
rules of the senate shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority as nonvoting
members of the council. deleted text begin Agency and legislative deleted text end Members appointed under this paragraph
serve as nonvoting members of the council.

(b) deleted text begin Nineteen deleted text end new text begin Seventeen new text end voting members of the council shall be appointed by the
governor as follows:

(1) two members representing statewide farm organizations;

(2) two members representing business organizations;

(3) two members representing environmental organizations;

(4) one member representing soil and water conservation districts;

(5) one member representing watershed districts;

(6) one member representing nonprofit organizations focused on improvement of
Minnesota lakes or streams;

(7) two members representing organizations of county governments, one member
representing the interests of rural counties and one member representing the interests of
counties in the seven-county metropolitan area;

(8) two members representing organizations of city governments;

deleted text begin (9) one member representing the Metropolitan Council established under section
473.123;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (10) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end one member representing township officers;

deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (10) new text end one member representing the interests of tribal governments;

deleted text begin (12) deleted text end new text begin (11) new text end one member representing statewide hunting organizations; new text begin and
new text end

deleted text begin (13) one member representing the University of Minnesota or a Minnesota state
university; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (14) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end one member representing statewide fishing organizations.

Members appointed under this paragraph must not be registered lobbyists or legislators.
In making appointments, the governor must attempt to provide for geographic balance.
The members of the council appointed by the governor are subject to the advice and
consent of the senate.

Sec. 17.

Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 2, section 6, is amended to read:

Sec. 6. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

$

deleted text begin 12,635,000 deleted text end new text begin 12,135,000 new text end

$

deleted text begin 9,450,000 deleted text end new text begin 8,950,000 new text end

(a) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for stream flow
monitoring, including the installation of
additional monitoring gauges, and monitoring
necessary to determine the relationship
between stream flow and groundwater.

(b) $1,300,000 the first year and $1,300,000
the second year are for lake Index of
Biological Integrity (IBI) assessments.

(c) $135,000 the first year and $135,000
the second year are for assessing mercury
deleted text begin contamination deleted text end new text begin and other contaminants new text end of
fish, including monitoring to track the status
of waters impaired by mercury and mercury
reduction efforts over time.

(d) $1,850,000 the first year and $1,850,000
the second year are for developing targeted,
science-based watershed restoration and
protection strategies, including regional
technical assistance for TMDL plans and
development of a watershed assessment tool,
in cooperation with the commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency. By January 15,
2016, the commissioner shall submit a report
to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the senate and house of representatives
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over environment and natural resources
policy and finance providing the outcomes
to lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater
achieved with this appropriation and
recommendations.

(e) $1,375,000 the first year and $1,375,000
the second year are for water supply planning,
aquifer protection, and monitoring activities.

(f) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for technical assistance
to support local implementation of nonpoint
source restoration and protection activities,
including water quality protection in forested
watersheds.

(g) $675,000 the first year and $675,000
the second year are for applied research
and tools, including watershed hydrologic
modeling; maintaining and updating spatial
data for watershed boundaries, streams, and
water bodies and integrating high-resolution
digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness
of forestry best management practices for
water quality; and developing an ecological
monitoring database.

(h) $615,000 the first year and $615,000
the second year are for developing county
geologic atlases.

(i) $85,000 the first year is to develop design
standards and best management practices
for public water access sites to maintain and
improve water quality by avoiding shoreline
erosion and runoff.

(j) $3,000,000 the first year is for beginning
to develop and designate groundwater
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.287, subdivision 4. The
commissioner, in consultation with the
commissioners of the Pollution Control
Agency, health, and agriculture, shall
establish a uniform statewide hydrogeologic
mapping system that will include designated
groundwater management areas. The
mapping system must include wellhead
protection areas, special well construction
areas, groundwater provinces, groundwater
recharge areas, and other designated or
geographical areas related to groundwater.
This mapping system shall be used to
implement all groundwater-related laws
and for reporting and evaluations. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2017.

deleted text begin (k) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for grants to counties and
other local units of government to adopt and
implement advanced shoreland protection
measures. The grants awarded under this
paragraph shall be for up to $100,000 and
must be used to restore and enhance riparian
areas to protect, enhance, and restore water
quality in lakes, rivers, and streams. Grant
recipients must submit a report to the
commissioner on the outcomes achieved
with the grant. To be eligible for a grant
under this paragraph, a county or other local
unit of government must be adopting or have
adopted an ordinance for the subdivision,
use, redevelopment, and development of
shoreland that has been approved by the
commissioner of natural resources as having
advanced shoreland protection measures. An
ordinance must meet or exceed the following
standards:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) requires new sewage treatment systems
to be set back at least 100 feet from the
ordinary high water level for recreational
development shorelands and 75 feet for
general development lake shorelands;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) requires redevelopment and new
development on shoreland to have at least
a 50-foot vegetative buffer. An access path
and recreational use area may be allowed;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) requires mitigation when any variance to
standards designed to protect lakes, rivers,
and streams is granted;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) requires best management practices to be
used to control storm water and sediment as
part of a land alteration;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) includes other criteria developed by the
commissioner; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) has been adopted by July 1, 2015.
deleted text end

deleted text begin An ordinance that does not exceed all the
standards in clauses (1) to (5) is considered
to meet the requirement if the commissioner
determines that the ordinance provides
significantly greater protection for both
waters and shoreland than those standards.
deleted text end

deleted text begin The commissioner of natural resources
may develop additional criteria for the
grants awarded under this paragraph. In
developing the criteria, the commissioner
shall consider the proposed changes to
the department's shoreland rules discussed
during the rulemaking process authorized
under Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1,
section 4, subdivision 3. This appropriation
is available until spent.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (l) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end $100,000 the first year is for the
commissioner of natural resources for
rulemaking under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116G.15, subdivision 7.

Sec. 18. new text begin CANCELLATION OF PRIOR APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The unspent balance of the appropriation to the Public Facilities Authority for the
clean water legacy phosphorus reduction grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section
446A.074, in Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 2, section 3, paragraph (b), is canceled.
new text end

new text begin (b) The unspent balance of the appropriation to the Public Facilities Authority for
the clean water legacy phosphorus reduction grant program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 446A.074, in Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 2, section 4,
paragraph (b), is canceled.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

PARKS AND TRAILS FUND

Section 1. new text begin PARKS AND TRAILS FUND APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the
agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the
parks and trails fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The
figures "2016" and "2017" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, or June 30, 2017, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2016. "The second year" is fiscal year 2017. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2016 and 2017. All appropriations in this article are onetime.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2016 new text end		new text begin 2017 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin PARKS AND TRAILS new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 43,628,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 45,722,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
sections.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Availability of Appropriation new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this article may
not be spent on activities unless they are
directly related to and necessary for a
specific appropriation. Money appropriated
in this article must be spent in accordance
with Minnesota Management and Budget's
Guidance to Agencies on Legacy Fund
Expenditure. Notwithstanding Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.28, and unless
otherwise specified in this article, fiscal year
2016 appropriations are available until June
30, 2018, and fiscal year 2017 appropriations
are available until June 30, 2019. If a project
receives federal funds, the time period of
the appropriation is extended to equal the
availability of federal funding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Disability Access new text end

new text begin Where appropriate, grant recipients of
parks and trails funds, in consultation with
the Council on Disability, should make
progress toward providing greater access
to programs, print publications, and digital
media for people with disabilities related
to the programs the recipient funds using
appropriations made in this article.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 26,391,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 27,655,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $17,237,000 the first year and
$18,067,000 the second year are for state
parks, recreation areas, and trails to:
new text end

new text begin (1) connect people to the outdoors;
new text end

new text begin (2) acquire land and create opportunities;
new text end

new text begin (3) maintain existing holdings; and
new text end

new text begin (4) improve cooperation by coordinating
with partners to implement the 25-year
long-range parks and trails legacy plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) $8,618,000 the first year and $9,033,000
the second year are for grants in accordance
with Minnesota Statutes, section 85.535,
for parks and trails of regional or statewide
significance outside of the metropolitan area,
as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
473.121, subdivision 2. The grants must
be based on the recommendations to the
commissioner from the Greater Minnesota
Regional Parks and Trails Commission
established under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.536. Up to 2.5 percent of the total
appropriation may be used by the department
for administering the grants. Of the total
appropriation, $356,000 the first year and
$362,000 the second year are for grants to
the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and
Trails Commission for operating costs.
new text end

new text begin (c) $536,000 the first year and $555,000 the
second year are for coordination and projects
between the department, the Metropolitan
Council, and the Greater Minnesota Regional
Parks and Trails Commission; enhanced
Web-based information for park and trail
users; and support of activities of the Parks
and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall contract for
services with Conservation Corps Minnesota
for restoration, maintenance, and other
activities under this section for at least
$1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) The implementing agencies receiving
appropriations under this section shall
give consideration to contracting with
Conservation Corps Minnesota for
restoration, maintenance, and other activities.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 17,237,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 18,067,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $17,237,000 the first year and
$18,067,000 the second year are for
distribution according to Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.53, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin (b) Money appropriated under this section
and distributed to implementing agencies
must be used to fund the list of recommended
projects in the report submitted pursuant to
Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 3, section
4, paragraph (o). Projects funded by the
money appropriated under this section must
be substantially consistent with the project
descriptions and dollar amounts in the report.
Any funds remaining after completion of
the listed projects may be spent by the
implementing agencies on projects to support
parks and trails.
new text end

new text begin (c) Grant agreements entered into by the
Metropolitan Council and recipients of
money appropriated under this section must
ensure that the funds are used to supplement
and not substitute for traditional sources of
funding.
new text end

new text begin (d) The implementing agencies receiving
appropriations under this section shall
give consideration to contracting with
Conservation Corps Minnesota for
restoration, maintenance, and other activities.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 3, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 4. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

$

16,821,000

$

16,953,000

(a) $16,821,000 the first year and $16,953,000
the second year are for parks and trails of
regional or statewide significance in the
metropolitan area, distributed according to
paragraphs (b) to (1). Any funds remaining
after completion of the listed project may be
spent on projects to support parks and trails
by the implementing agency.

(b) $1,443,000 the first year and $1,455,000
the second year are for grants to Anoka
County for:

(1) a trail connection for Bunker Hills
Regional Park from Avocet Street;

(2) restoration, including erosion repair,
along Pleasure Creek and the Mississippi
River Regional Trail at the Coon Rapids
Dam Regional Park;

(3) a new playground and surfacing at Lake
George Regional Park;

(4) land acquisition for the Rice Creek Chain
of Lakes Park Reserve;

(5) improvements at the Rice Creek Chain of
Lakes Park Reserve, including maintenance
shop rehabilitation, road and parking
construction, fencing, beach improvements,
and roof repairs;

(6) trail reconstruction under East River
Road on the Rice Creek West Regional Trail;

(7) contracts with Conservation Corps
Minnesota;

(8) a volunteer or resource coordinator
position;

(9) a landscape designer or architect;

(10) design, engineering, and construction of
the Central Anoka County Regional Trail;

(11) road rehabilitation at Lake George
Regional Park;

(12) reconstruction of a retaining wall on the
Mississippi River Regional Trail;

(13) a trail connection on the Mississippi
River Regional Trail to connect Mississippi
West Regional Park to the city of Ramsey;

(14) improvements of the Heritage
Laboratory/Day Camp at the Rice Creek
Chain of Lakes Park Reserve; and

(15) trail reconstruction on the Rice Creek
North Regional Trail from Lexington Avenue
to Golden Lake Elementary School.

(c) $289,000 the first year and $292,000
the second year are for grants to the city of
Bloomington to reconstruct parking lots at the
Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve.

(d) $294,000 the first year and $297,000 the
second year are for grants to Carver County
to connect the Minnesota River Bluffs
Regional Trail and Southwest Regional Trail
and for trail and bridge construction on the
Minnesota River Bluff Regional Trail.

(e) $1,174,000 the first year and $1,183,000
the second year are for grants to Dakota
County for:

(1) engineering to extend the Mississippi
River Regional Trail and Big Rivers Regional
Trails, including extensions to St. Paul, and
to provide a connection to Lilydale Regional
Trail;

(2) a trail connection for the Mississippi
River Regional Trail to connect St. Paul and
to construct a bridge over railroad tracks;

(3) engineering and construction of regional
trail segments throughout the county;

(4) engineering and construction of a bridge
and trails through the Minnesota Zoological
Garden on the North Creek Regional
Greenway; and

(5) resource management of the county's
parks and trails system.

(f) $3,221,000 the first year and $3,246,000
the second are for grants to the Minneapolis
Park and Recreation Board for:

(1) design and construction of trail loops,
river access areas, landscapes, and storm
water management improvements at Above
the Falls Regional Park;

(2) land acquisition at Above the Falls
Regional Park;

(3) a master plan and trail design for Central
Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park;

(4) planning and design for the Central
Riverfront including the water works and the
Mississippi Whitewater Park sites;

(5) trail, path, and shoreline improvements
and play area rehabilitation at
Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park;

(6) trail, shoreline, water access,
picnic, sailboat facility, and concession
improvements at Minneapolis Chain of
Lakes Regional Park;

(7) a bird sanctuary, trail stabilization, habitat
restoration, accessibility improvements, and
construction of new entrances at Minneapolis
Chain of Lakes Regional Park;

(8) a trail connection for the Minnehaha
Parkway Regional Trail below Lyndale
Avenue; and

(9) trail work at Theodore Wirth Regional
Park.

(g) $1,299,000 the first year and $1,309,000
the second year are for grants to Ramsey
County for:

(1) wayfinding for cross-country ski trails
at Battle Creek Regional Park, Tamarack
Nature Center, and Grass-Vadnais-Snail
Lakes Regional Park;

(2) contracts with Conservation Corps
Minnesota;

(3) design and construction of an early
learning center at Tamarack Nature Center
and pedestrian connections, landscape
restoration, signage, and other site amenities
at Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park;

(4) improvements to Tamarack Nature
Center;

(5) building and supporting a volunteer corps
for Tamarack Nature Center and Discovery
Hollow;

(6) trail development to connect Tamarack
Nature Center to the Otter Lake boat launch;

(7) a trail on Vadnais Lake, storm water
management improvements, and site
amenities at Grass-Vadnais-Snail Lakes
Regional Park;

(8) trail development and connection, storm
water management improvements, and site
amenities at Rice Creek North Regional
Trail; and

(9) the Bruce Vento Regional Trail.

(h) $2,378,000 the first year and $2,397,000
the second year are for grants to the city of
Saint Paul for:

(1) an education coordinator;

(2) a volunteer coordinator;

(3) Como Regional Park shuttle operation;

(4) a trail connection to connect Harriet
Island to the Mississippi Regional Trail;

(5) Estabrook Road reconstruction and
lighting upgrades at Como Regional Park;
and

(6) a trail connection and railroad bridge
reconstruction at Lilydale Regional Park.

(i) $550,000 the first year and $554,000 the
second year are for grants to Scott County for
construction at Cedar Lake Farm Regional
Park.

(j) $3,669,000 the first year and $3,697,000
the second year are for grants to Three Rivers
Park District for:

(1) a trail connection to connect Grand
Rounds to Nine Mile Creek Trail;

(2) a deleted text begin trail bridge over deleted text end new text begin safe trail crossing of
new text end County State-Aid Highway 19 for the Lake
Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail;

(3) trail construction on the Crystal Lake
Regional Trail;

(4) trail construction on the Bassett Creek
Regional Trail;

(5) trail construction on the Twin Lakes
Regional Trail; and

(6) trail construction on the Nine Mile Creek
Regional Trail.

(k) $821,000 the first year and $827,000 the
second year are for grants to Washington
County for:

(1) parking, buildings, and other
improvements at the Swim Pond in Lake
Elmo Park Reserve;

(2) design and construction of the Point
Douglas Regional Trail, which connects to
Wisconsin; and

(3) paving improvements to Hardwood Creek
Regional Trail, which may include new trail
sections toward Bald Eagle Regional Park.

(l) $1,682,000 the first year and $1,695,000
the second year are for grants to implementing
agencies for land acquisition within
Metropolitan Council approved regional
parks and trails master plan boundaries as
provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
85.53, subdivision 3, clause (4).

(m) A recipient of a grant awarded under
this section must give consideration to
Conservation Corps Minnesota for possible
use of corps services to contract for
restoration and enhancement services.

(n) For projects with the potential to need
historic preservation services, a recipient
of a grant awarded under this section must
give consideration to the Northern Bedrock
Conservation Corps for possible use of the
corps' services.

(o) By January 15, 2015, the council
shall submit a list of projects, ranked in
priority order, that contains the council's
recommendations for funding from the
parks and trails fund for the 2016 and
2017 biennium to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the senate and house
of representatives committees and divisions
with jurisdiction over the environment and
natural resources and the parks and trails
fund.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin MESABI TRAIL GRANT EXTENSION.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, or other law to the contrary,
$512,000 of the money appropriated in fiscal year 2013 under Laws 2011, First Special
Session chapter 6, article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), clause (1), for grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 85.535, is available until June 30, 2017. The commissioner of natural
resources shall extend the $512,000 grant to the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional
Railroad Authority for extension of the Mesabi Trail to June 30, 2017.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND

Section 1. new text begin ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the
entities and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the arts
and cultural heritage fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for allowable
activities under the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 15. The figures "2016" and
"2017" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under the figure are available
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and June 30, 2017, respectively. "The first year"
is fiscal year 2016. "The second year" is fiscal year 2017. "The biennium" is fiscal years
2016 and 2017. All appropriations in this article are onetime.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2016 new text end		new text begin 2017 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 61,292,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 62,923,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Availability of Appropriation new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this article may not
be spent on activities unless they are directly
related to and necessary for a specific
appropriation. Money appropriated in this
article must not be spent on indirect costs
or other institutional overhead charges that
are not directly related to and necessary for
a specific appropriation. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, and
unless otherwise specified in this article,
fiscal year 2016 appropriations are available
until June 30, 2017, and fiscal year 2017
appropriations are available until June 30,
2018. If a project receives federal funds, the
time period of the appropriation is extended
to equal the availability of federal funding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Minnesota State Arts Board new text end

new text begin 28,300,000 new text end

new text begin 29,040,000 new text end

new text begin (a) These amounts are appropriated to
the Minnesota State Arts Board for arts,
arts education, arts preservation, and arts
access. Grant agreements entered into
by the Minnesota State Arts Board and
other recipients of appropriations in this
subdivision must ensure that these funds are
used to supplement and not substitute for
traditional sources of funding. Each grant
program established within this appropriation
must be separately administered from other
state appropriations for program planning
and outcome measurements, but may take
into consideration other state resources
awarded in the selection of applicants and
grant award size.
new text end

new text begin (b) Arts Preservation new text end

new text begin $2,200,000 the first year is for transfer to
the commissioner of administration for
restoration and preservation of the fine art
located in the State Capitol complex.
new text end

new text begin (c) Arts and Arts Access Initiatives new text end

new text begin $20,300,00 the first year and $23,240,000 the
second year are to support Minnesota artists
and arts organizations in creating, producing,
and presenting high-quality arts activities; to
overcome barriers to accessing high-quality
arts activities; and to instill the arts into the
community and public life in this state.
new text end

new text begin (d) Arts Education new text end

new text begin $4,050,000 the first year and $4,050,000
the second year are for high-quality,
age-appropriate arts education for
Minnesotans of all ages to develop
knowledge, skills, and understanding of the
arts.
new text end

new text begin (e) Arts and Cultural Heritage new text end

new text begin $1,750,000 the first year and $1,750,000 the
second year are for events and activities that
represent the diverse cultural arts traditions,
including folk and traditional artists and art
organizations, represented in this state.
new text end

new text begin (f) Up to 4.5 percent of the funds appropriated
in paragraphs (b) to (d) may be used by the
board for administering grant programs,
delivering technical services, providing
fiscal oversight for the statewide system, and
ensuring accountability.
new text end

new text begin (g) Thirty percent of the remaining total
appropriation to each of the categories listed
in paragraphs (b) to (d) is for grants to the
regional arts councils. Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, regional arts council
grants or other arts council grants for touring
programs, projects, or exhibits must ensure
the programs, projects, or exhibits are able to
tour in their own region as well as all other
regions of the state.
new text end

new text begin (h) Any unencumbered balance remaining
under this section in the first year does not
cancel, but is available for the second year
of the biennium.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Minnesota Historical Society new text end

new text begin 15,995,000 new text end

new text begin 16,415,000 new text end

new text begin (a) These amounts are appropriated to the
governing board of the Minnesota Historical
Society to preserve and enhance access to
Minnesota's history and its cultural and
historical resources. Grant agreements
entered into by the Minnesota Historical
Society and other recipients of appropriations
in this subdivision must ensure that
these funds are used to supplement and
not substitute for traditional sources of
funding. Funds directly appropriated to the
Minnesota Historical Society must be used to
supplement and not substitute for traditional
sources of funding. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, for
historic preservation projects that improve
historic structures, the amounts are available
until June 30, 2019. The Minnesota
Historical Society or grant recipients of the
Minnesota Historical Society using arts and
cultural heritage funds under this subdivision
must give consideration to Conservation
Corps Minnesota and Northern Bedrock
Conservation Corps, or an organization
carrying out similar work, for projects with
the potential to need historic preservation
services.
new text end

new text begin (b) Historical Grants and Programs new text end

new text begin (1) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants new text end

new text begin $5,600,000 the first year and $6,000,000 the
second year are for history programs and
projects operated or conducted by or through
local, county, regional, or other historical
or cultural organizations or for activities
to preserve significant historic and cultural
resources. Funds are to be distributed through
a competitive grant process. The Minnesota
Historical Society shall administer these
funds using established grant mechanisms,
with assistance from the advisory committee
created under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article
4, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (b),
item (ii). Notwithstanding these guidelines,
the historical society and the advisory
committee may consider a grant to the
Gunflint Trail Historical Society for the
Chik-Wauk Museum.
new text end

new text begin (2) Programs new text end

new text begin $5,660,000 the first year and $6,000,000 the
second year are for programs and purposes
related to the historical and cultural heritage
of the state of Minnesota, conducted by the
Minnesota Historical Society. Of the amount
in this paragraph, $60,000 the first year is for
the Minnesota Historical Society to develop a
museum installation celebrating the legacy of
Minnesota disability culture. The Minnesota
Historical Society shall collaborate with
the Minnesota State Council on Disability
to create the museum installation and may
use the funding to promote the exhibit and
increase access to the exhibit.
new text end

new text begin (3) History Partnerships new text end

new text begin $2,300,000 the first year and $2,340,000 the
second year are for partnerships involving
multiple organizations, which may include
the Minnesota Historical Society, to preserve
and enhance access to Minnesota's history
and cultural heritage in all regions of the state.
new text end

new text begin (4) Statewide Survey of Historical and Archaeological Sites new text end

new text begin $280,000 the first year and $300,000 the
second year are for a contract or contracts
to be awarded on a competitive basis to
conduct statewide surveys of Minnesota's
sites of historical, archaeological, and
cultural significance. Results of the surveys
must be published in a searchable form
and available to the public on a cost-free
basis. The Minnesota Historical Society, the
Office of the State Archaeologist, and the
Indian Affairs Council shall each appoint a
representative to an oversight board to select
contractors and direct the conduct of the
surveys. The oversight board shall consult
with the Departments of Transportation and
Natural Resources.
new text end

new text begin (5) Digital Library new text end

new text begin $280,000 the first year and $300,000 the
second year are for a digital library project
to preserve, digitize, and share Minnesota
images, documents, and historical materials.
The Minnesota Historical Society shall
cooperate with the Minitex interlibrary
loan system and shall jointly share this
appropriation for these purposes.
new text end

new text begin (6) Historic Recognition Grants Program new text end

new text begin $1,875,000 the first year and $1,475,000
the second year are for a competitive grants
program to provide grants for projects
that preserve, recognize, and promote the
historic legacy of Minnesota. Grants may be
awarded to projects that honor the history
of Minnesota, including but not limited to:
projects to build or design exhibits; artistic
productions including film, television,
and music; education presentations; and
commemorative events.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Department of Education new text end

new text begin 1,500,000 new text end

new text begin 2,500,000 new text end

new text begin These amounts are appropriated to the
commissioner of education for grants to
the 12 Minnesota regional library systems
to provide educational opportunities in
the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural
heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be
allocated using the formulas in Minnesota
Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3,
4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to
be distributed to all qualifying systems in
an amount proportionate to the number of
qualifying system entities in each system.
For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying
system entity" means a public library, a
regional library system, a regional library
system headquarters, a county, or an outreach
service program. These funds may be used
to sponsor programs provided by regional
libraries or to provide grants to local arts
and cultural heritage programs for programs
in partnership with regional libraries.
These funds must be distributed in ten
equal payments per year. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the
appropriations encumbered on or before
June 30, 2017, as grants or contracts in this
subdivision are available until June 30, 2019.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Department of Administration new text end

new text begin 9,172,000 new text end

new text begin 8,643,000 new text end

new text begin (a) These amounts are appropriated to
the commissioner of administration for
grants to the named organizations for the
purposes specified in this subdivision. Up
to one percent of funds may be used by the
commissioner for grants administration.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grant agreements entered into by
the commissioner and recipients of
appropriations under this subdivision must
ensure that money appropriated in this
subdivision is used to supplement and not
substitute for traditional sources of funding.
new text end

new text begin (c) Veterans Rest Camp new text end

new text begin $113,000 the first year is for the Disabled
Veterans Rest Camp Association for the
veterans rest camp on Big Marine Lake for
parks, trails, and recreation areas.
new text end

new text begin (d) Minnesota Public Radio new text end

new text begin $1,417,000 each year is for Minnesota Public
Radio to create programming and expand
news service on Minnesota's cultural heritage
and history.
new text end

new text begin (e) Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations new text end

new text begin $1,417,000 each year is appropriated for a
grant to the Association of Minnesota Public
Educational Radio Stations for production
and acquisition grants in accordance with
Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.19.
new text end

new text begin (f) Public Television new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 the first year and $3,834,000
the second year are for grants to the
Minnesota Public Television Association for
production and acquisition grants according
to Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.18.
new text end

new text begin (g) Wilderness Inquiry new text end

new text begin $250,000 each year is for grants to Wilderness
Inquiry to preserve Minnesota's outdoor
history, culture, and heritage by connecting
Minnesota youth to natural resources.
new text end

new text begin (h) Como Park Zoo new text end

new text begin $1,125,000 each year is for the Como
Park Zoo for program development that
features education programs and habitat
enhancement, special exhibits, music
appreciation programs, and historical garden
access and preservation.
new text end

new text begin (i) Science Museum of Minnesota new text end

new text begin $600,000 each year is for arts, arts education,
and arts access and to preserve Minnesota's
history and cultural heritage, including
student and teacher outreach and expansion
of the museum's American Indian initiatives
programs.
new text end

new text begin (j) Lake Superior Center Authority new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is for development,
preparation, and construction of an exhibit
on the unsalted seas to preserve Minnesota's
history and cultural heritage related to fresh
water lakes.
new text end

new text begin (k) Capitol Art Preservation new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the first year is for restoration
and preservation of the fine art located in the
State Capitol complex.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Minnesota Zoo new text end

new text begin 1,125,000 new text end

new text begin 1,125,000 new text end

new text begin These amounts are appropriated to the
Minnesota Zoological Board for programs
and development of the Minnesota
Zoological Garden and to provide access and
education related to programs on the cultural
heritage of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Minnesota Humanities Center new text end

new text begin 2,850,000 new text end

new text begin 2,850,000 new text end

new text begin (a) These amounts are appropriated to
the Board of Directors of the Minnesota
Humanities Center for the purposes
specified in this subdivision. The Minnesota
Humanities Center may use a portion of
the following grants to cover the cost of
administering, planning, evaluating, and
reporting these grants. The Minnesota
Humanities Center must develop a written
plan to issue the grants in this subdivision and
shall submit the plan for review and approval
by the Department of Administration.
new text end

new text begin The grant agreements must specify the direct
administrative costs that the grant funds may
be used for and require a final report and
accounting to the Minnesota Humanities
Center due 30 days after the completion of
the grant program that verifies compliance
with the grant agreement. No grants awarded
in this subdivision may be used for travel
outside the state of Minnesota. The grant
agreement must specify the repercussions for
failing to comply with the grant agreement.
new text end

new text begin (b) Programs and Purposes new text end

new text begin $825,000 each year is for programs and
purposes of the Minnesota Humanities
Center. Of this amount, $100,000 each year
may be used for the veterans' voices program.
new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Humanities Center may
consider museums and organizations
celebrating the identities of Minnesotans for
grants from these funds.
new text end

new text begin (c) Heritage Grants Program new text end

new text begin $900,000 each year is for a competitive grants
program to provide grants to preserve and
promote the cultural heritage of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Humanities Center shall
operate a competitive grants program to
provide grants for programs, including but
not limited to: music, film, television, radio,
recreation, or the design and use of public
spaces that preserves and honors the cultural
heritage of Minnesota. Grants made under
this paragraph must not be used for travel
costs inside or outside of the state.
new text end

new text begin (d) Children's Museum Grants new text end

new text begin $875,000 each year is for arts and cultural
heritage grants to children's museums.
new text end

new text begin Of this amount, $500,000 each year is for the
Minnesota Children's Museum, including the
Minnesota Children's Museum in Rochester;
$125,000 each year is for the Duluth
Children's Museum; $125,000 each year is
for the Grand Rapids Children's Museum;
and $125,000 each year is for the Southern
Minnesota Children's Museum.
new text end

new text begin (e) Civics Programs new text end

new text begin $150,000 each year is for grants to Kids
Voting St. Paul, the Learning Law and
Democracy Foundation, and YMCA
Youth in Government to conduct civics
education programs for the civic and cultural
development of Minnesota youth. Civics
education is the study of constitutional
principles and the democratic foundation
of our national, state, and local institutions
and the study of political processes and
structures of government, grounded in the
understanding of constitutional government
under the rule of law.
new text end

new text begin (f) Ka Joog Fanka Program new text end

new text begin $100,000 each year is for a grant to Ka
Joog for the Fanka Program to provide
arts education and workshops, mentor
programs, and community engagement
events throughout Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Perpich Center for Arts Education new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) These amounts are appropriated to the
Board of Directors of the Perpich Center
for Arts Education for the programs under
paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2017, are
available until June 30, 2019.
new text end

new text begin (c) Arts Integration and Turnaround Arts Programs new text end

new text begin $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for the arts integration
program and Turnaround Arts programs to
assist schools and programs throughout the
state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Indian Affairs Council new text end

new text begin 1,325,000 new text end

new text begin 1,325,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,250,000 each year is for the Indian
Affairs Council to provide grants to preserve
Dakota and Ojibwe Indian language and to
foster education programs and immersion
programs in Dakota and Ojibwe language.
new text end

new text begin (b) $75,000 each year is for the Indian
Affairs Council to carry out responsibilities
under Minnesota Statutes, section 307.08, to
comply with Public Law 101-601, the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation
Act, and to develop an osteology laboratory
and repository for American Indian human
remains.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Board of Regents new text end

new text begin 125,000 new text end

new text begin 125,000 new text end

new text begin This amount is appropriated to the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota for a
grant to the Bell Museum of Natural History
for the planetarium network and portable
planetarium program. This appropriation
must not be used for the purchase of motor
vehicles.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end new text begin Legislature new text end

new text begin 400,000 new text end

new text begin 400,000 new text end

new text begin This amount is appropriated to the Legislative
Coordinating Commission to operate the
Web site for dedicated funds required
under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303,
subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end new text begin Disability Access new text end

new text begin Where appropriate, grant recipients of arts
and cultural heritage funds, in consultation
with the Council on Disability, should make
progress toward providing greater access
to programs, print publications, and digital
media for people with disabilities related
to the programs the recipient funds using
appropriations made in this section.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2014, chapter 295, section 10, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. St. Paul - Minnesota Children's Museum

7,485,000

For a grant to the city of St. Paul to predesign,
design, construct, furnish, and equip an
expansion and renovation of the Minnesota
Children's Museum. The expansion and
exhibit upgrades should incorporate the
latest research on early learning, allow for
new state-of-the art education facilities, and
increase the capacity of visitors to galleries
and programming areas. This appropriation
is not available until the commissioner of
management and budget has determined that
at least deleted text begin an equal amount deleted text end new text begin $4,000,000 new text end has been
committed from nonstate sources. Amounts
expended for this project by nonstate sources
since October 1, 2010, shall count toward the
nonstate match.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

GENERAL PROVISIONS; ALL LEGACY FUNDS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 16B.24, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin State band. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must provide free rehearsal and storage
space in the same building in the Capitol Area to an entity known as the Minnesota
State Band, which is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 85.53, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Expenditures; accountability.

(a) A project or program receiving funding
from the parks and trails fund must meet or exceed the constitutional requirement to
support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. A project or program
receiving funding from the parks and trails fund must include measurable outcomes, as
defined in section 3.303, subdivision 10, and a plan for measuring and evaluating the
results. A project or program must be consistent with current science and incorporate
state-of-the-art technology, except when the project or program is a portrayal or restoration
of historical significance.

(b) Money from the parks and trails fund shall be expended to balance the benefits
across all regions and residents of the state.

(c) A state agency or other recipient of a direct appropriation from the parks and
trails fund must compile and submit all information for funded projects or programs,
including the proposed measurable outcomes and all other items required under section
3.303, subdivision 10, to the Legislative Coordinating Commission as soon as practicable
or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever comes first. The Legislative
Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on the Web site required
under section 3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available.

(d) Grants funded by the parks and trails fund must be implemented according to
section 16B.98 and must account for all expenditures. Proposals must specify a process
for any regranting envisioned. Priority for grant proposals must be given to proposals
involving grants that will be competitively awarded.

(e) Money from the parks and trails fund may only be spent on projects located
in Minnesota.

(f) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the parks and
trails fund shall prominently display on the recipient's Web site home page the legacy
logo required under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws
2010, chapter 361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more
information." When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the Web site must direct
the person to a Web page that includes both the contact information that a person may
use to obtain additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating
Commission Web site required under section 3.303, subdivision 10.

(g) Future eligibility for money from the parks and trails fund is contingent upon a
state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section, as
well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. new text begin If the Office of
the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a
recipient of money from the parks and trails fund has not complied with the laws, rules, or
regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient must be
listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the legacy
funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a recipient
from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient on the
list is not eligible for future funding from the parks and trails fund until the recipient
demonstrates compliance to the legislative auditor.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Recipient requirements.

(a) A state agency or other recipient of a direct
appropriation from the outdoor heritage fund must compile and submit all information
for funded projects or programs, including the proposed measurable outcomes and all
other items required under section 3.303, subdivision 10, to the Legislative Coordinating
Commission as soon as practicable or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever
comes first. The Legislative Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on
the Web site required under section 3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available.

(b) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the outdoor
heritage fund shall prominently display on the recipient's Web site home page the legacy
logo required under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws
2010, chapter 361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more
information." When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the Web site must direct
the person to a Web page that includes both the contact information that a person may
use to obtain additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating
Commission Web site required under section 3.303, subdivision 10.

(c) Future eligibility for money from the outdoor heritage fund is contingent upon a
state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section, as
well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. new text begin If the Office of
the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a
recipient of money from the outdoor heritage fund has not complied with the laws, rules,
or regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient must be
listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the legacy
funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a recipient
from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient on the
list is not eligible for future funding from the outdoor heritage fund until the recipient
demonstrates compliance to the legislative auditor.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 114D.50, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Expenditures; accountability.

(a) A project receiving funding from the
clean water fund must meet or exceed the constitutional requirements to protect, enhance,
and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater and
drinking water from degradation. Priority may be given to projects that meet more than
one of these requirements. A project receiving funding from the clean water fund shall
include measurable outcomes, as defined in section 3.303, subdivision 10, and a plan for
measuring and evaluating the results. A project must be consistent with current science
and incorporate state-of-the-art technology.

(b) Money from the clean water fund shall be expended to balance the benefits
across all regions and residents of the state.

(c) A state agency or other recipient of a direct appropriation from the clean
water fund must compile and submit all information for proposed and funded projects
or programs, including the proposed measurable outcomes and all other items required
under section 3.303, subdivision 10, to the Legislative Coordinating Commission as soon
as practicable or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever comes first. The
Legislative Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on the Web site
required under section 3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available. Information
classified as not public under section 13D.05, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), is not required
to be placed on the Web site.

(d) Grants funded by the clean water fund must be implemented according to section
16B.98 and must account for all expenditures. Proposals must specify a process for any
regranting envisioned. Priority for grant proposals must be given to proposals involving
grants that will be competitively awarded.

(e) Money from the clean water fund may only be spent on projects that benefit
Minnesota waters.

(f) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the clean water fund
shall prominently display on the recipient's Web site home page the legacy logo required
under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws 2010, chapter
361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more information."
When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the Web site must direct the person to
a Web page that includes both the contact information that a person may use to obtain
additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating Commission Web
site required under section 3.303, subdivision 10.

(g) Future eligibility for money from the clean water fund is contingent upon a
state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section, as
well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. new text begin If the Office of
the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a
recipient of money from the clean water fund has not complied with the laws, rules, or
regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient must be
listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the legacy
funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a recipient
from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient on the list
is not eligible for future funding from the clean water fund until the recipient demonstrates
compliance to the legislative auditor.
new text end

(h) Money from the clean water fund may be used to leverage federal funds through
execution of formal project partnership agreements with federal agencies consistent with
respective federal agency partnership agreement requirements.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 129D.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Expenditures; accountability.

(a) Funding from the arts and cultural
heritage fund may be spent only for arts, arts education, and arts access, and to preserve
Minnesota's history and cultural heritage. A project or program receiving funding from
the arts and cultural heritage fund must include measurable outcomes, and a plan for
measuring and evaluating the results. A project or program must be consistent with current
scholarship, or best practices, when appropriate and must incorporate state-of-the-art
technology when appropriate.

(b) Funding from the arts and cultural heritage fund may be granted for an entire
project or for part of a project so long as the recipient provides a description and cost for
the entire project and can demonstrate that it has adequate resources to ensure that the
entire project will be completed.

(c) Money from the arts and cultural heritage fund shall be expended for benefits
across all regions and residents of the state.

(d) A state agency or other recipient of a direct appropriation from the arts and
cultural heritage fund must compile and submit all information for funded projects or
programs, including the proposed measurable outcomes and all other items required
under section 3.303, subdivision 10, to the Legislative Coordinating Commission as soon
as practicable or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever comes first. The
Legislative Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on the Web site
required under section 3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available.

(e) Grants funded by the arts and cultural heritage fund must be implemented
according to section 16B.98 and must account for all expenditures of funds. Priority for
grant proposals must be given to proposals involving grants that will be competitively
awarded.

(f) All money from the arts and cultural heritage fund must be for projects located
in Minnesota.

(g) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the arts and cultural
heritage fund shall prominently display on the recipient's Web site home page the legacy
logo required under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws
2010, chapter 361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more
information." When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the Web site must direct
the person to a Web page that includes both the contact information that a person may
use to obtain additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating
Commission Web site required under section 3.303, subdivision 10.

(h) Future eligibility for money from the arts and cultural heritage fund is contingent
upon a state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section,
as well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. new text begin If the Office of
the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a
recipient of money from the arts and cultural heritage fund has not complied with the laws,
rules, or regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient
must be listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the
legacy funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a
recipient from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient
on the list is not eligible for future funding from the arts and cultural heritage fund until
the recipient demonstrates compliance to the legislative auditor.
new text end