MN SF2563

The Board of Water and Soil Resources shall develop and coordinate Minnesota River basin goals and strategies for sediment reduction, flow reduction, and nutrient reduction by December 31, 2017.

Comprehensive watershed management plans for the 13 major watersheds within the Minnesota River basin must include the developed goals and strategies and be completed by December 31, 2020.

The Board shall establish a local advisory committee comprised of citizens and elected officials representing the 13 major watersheds and diverse interests in the basin, meeting at least annually.

The Board must report to legislative committees with water policy jurisdiction by January 15, 2018, and every two years thereafter on developed goals, strategies, and progress in meeting them.

$1,250,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2017 to the Board, with $1,000,000 designated for grants of up to $250,000 to local government units to initiate comprehensive watershed management plans.