MN HF4398

Establishes a grant program under the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide financial assistance to local units of government and private landowners for controlling water volume and rates to protect infrastructure and improve water quality.

Requires equal distribution of appropriated money to soil and water conservation districts, which must use funds for district projects or grants to local units of government and private landowners.

Prioritizes grant scoring for projects consistent with the Forever Green agriculture initiative, projects converting flood-prone agricultural lands to alternative water storage or slowing uses, and projects with nonstate matching funds.

Requires the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide technical assistance to soil and water conservation districts, analyze federal funding availability, enter into interstate cooperation agreements, and submit biennial effectiveness reports beginning January 15, 2023.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund in fiscal year 2021 to the Board of Water and Soil Resources as a onetime appropriation available until June 30, 2023.