MN HF3595

Board of Water and Soil Resources must establish a program providing financial assistance to local units of government in the Minnesota River basin for water storage projects and water quality practices to control water volume and rates, protecting infrastructure and improving water quality.

Board may cover costs including site acquisition, design, engineering, and construction, and may acquire conservation easements; board must require local match funding and may adjust match if federal funds are available.

Board must enter into agreements with participating local units of government specifying state and local cooperation terms, including financing arrangements and maintenance responsibilities after project completion.

Board may employ or contract with engineers or hydrologists to provide technical assistance, review projects, evaluate effectiveness, and cooperate with state and federal agencies on hydrological and engineering analysis.

Unspecified amount appropriated from general fund in fiscal year 2021 for the program as a onetime appropriation available until June 30, 2023; board must report biennial to legislature on program effectiveness starting January 15, 2023.