MN HF4563

Establishes a legacy mine water management account in the natural resources fund for the commissioner to design, construct, operate, and maintain water control systems at iron ore mines closed or abandoned before January 1, 1980.

Requires the commissioner to submit an annual report by January 15 to legislative committees detailing water levels at legacy mine pits and expenditures from the account for the previous fiscal year.

Transfers $30,000,000 from the general fund to the legacy mine water management account in fiscal year 2023 as a one-time transfer.

Requires the commissioner to assess legacy mines and submit a prioritization report by June 30, 2023, including inventories of mitigation measures needed and specific prioritization of mine pits at Canisteo Mine, Hill-Annex Mine, and St. James Mine based on public safety threats.

Assigns the commissioner responsibility for managing water at legacy mines, including monitoring and controlling water levels and operating water control structures.