MN SF2264

Increases appropriations to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for pollution reduction and restoration grants from $13.75 million to $15.35 million in the second year, and adjusts other grant programs including targeted local resource protection ($3.6 million second year), state oversight and accountability ($1.2 million second year), conservation drainage program assistance ($1.7 million second year), and wellhead protection easements ($2.3 million second year).

Authorizes $1.8 million from the clean water fund in fiscal year 2013 to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to develop and implement an Aquatic Invasive Species Cooperative Research Center, with collaboration requested from the commissioner of natural resources and restrictions on indirect costs.

Provides $1 million from the environment and natural resources trust fund in fiscal year 2013 to the University of Minnesota for the same Aquatic Invasive Species Cooperative Research Center, with identical restrictions on indirect costs and institutional overhead.

Modifies appropriations for aquatic invasive species programs under the trust fund, reducing second-year funding from $3.513 million to $2.513 million, including $50,000 for a documentary on aquatic invasive species challenges.

Extends appropriation availability dates and allows the Board of Water and Soil Resources flexibility to shift grant funds and adjust technical assistance portions to leverage federal funds and address high-priority local water management needs.