H.F. No. 3226 Summary

• Appropriates $45,000,000 from bond proceeds to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for acquiring conservation easements to preserve, restore, and enhance wetlands, riparian lands, rivers, and streams.

• Requires the board to prioritize leveraging federal conservation funds by targeting new lands or environmentally sensitive lands that qualify for federal funding.

• Allocates funds as follows: up to 5 percent for restoration and rehabilitation activities, at least $30,000,000 for federal leverage purposes, and no more than $3,000,000 for working lands easements.

• Authorizes the board to enter into new agreements and amend existing agreements with landowners to allow for restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement activities.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Management and Budget to sell and issue state bonds up to $45,000,000 to fund the appropriation, subject to Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and Minnesota Constitution article XI, sections 4 to 7.