MN SF3580

Clarifies that taconite economic development fund money may only be used for "new projects" that have not yet been commenced, workforce development, concurrent reclamation, plant and equipment acquisition, and research and development in mining or steel production technology.

Removes language requiring producers to provide matching expenditures beginning with 2014 distributions, making the matching requirement apply retroactively from December 31, 2016.

Establishes a joint committee of salaried and nonsalaried employee representatives to review and approve fund expenditure proposals within six months, with the District 11 United States Steelworkers of America director selecting employee members.

Requires unreleased funds not distributed within one year to be divided between the taconite environmental protection fund (two-thirds) and the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund (one-third).

Authorizes a one-time transfer of ten cents per ton of excess balance to the fund established under section 298.28, subdivision 7, for the 2018 distribution only, with the transfer required within ten days of the August 2018 payment.