1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to local government; appropriating money for 
  1.3             emergency snow removal. 
  1.4   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.5      Section 1.  [FINDINGS, PURPOSE.] 
  1.6      The legislature finds that the historic accumulation of 
  1.7   snow, aggravated by drifting from high winds, and by severely 
  1.8   cold temperatures have forced local units of government beyond 
  1.9   their budgets for snow removal.  Emergency financial assistance 
  1.10  is necessary for the health, welfare, and safety of the 
  1.11  citizens; for the ability of government, schools, hospitals, and 
  1.12  businesses to function; and to help individuals to get access to 
  1.13  and from their homes, work, schools, and markets.  Because of 
  1.14  this great and urgent need, the legislature makes the 
  1.15  appropriation in section 2. 
  1.16     Sec. 2.  [APPROPRIATION FOR SNOW REMOVAL.] 
  1.17     $20,000,000 in fiscal year 1997 is appropriated from the 
  1.18  general fund to the department of transportation for 
  1.19  distribution as determined by the commissioner for emergency 
  1.20  snow removal to counties.  The counties must apportion the funds 
  1.21  among towns and cities in proportion to the snow removal 
  1.22  expenses of local governments as determined by the county board. 
  1.23     Sec. 3.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
  1.24     Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day after their final 
  2.1   enactment.