MN HF684

Appropriates $500,000 from the clean water fund to the Metropolitan Council for a fiscal agreement with the United States Geological Survey to investigate groundwater and surface water interaction in White Bear Lake and surrounding northeast metropolitan lakes.

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the clean water fund to the Metropolitan Council to contract with a private engineering firm for a feasibility study on potential solutions to declining lake levels in the northeast metropolitan area, including analysis of costs, benefits, and technical and financial feasibility.

Requires the United States Geological Survey to conduct groundwater optimization modeling as part of the engineering feasibility assessment.

Requires the Metropolitan Council to provide a progress report by November 15, 2015, and a final report by July 15, 2016, to legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance.

Both appropriations are one-time only and available until June 30, 2016.