SF 4043 Summary

• Appropriates $70.881 million from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for fiscal year 2023 across multiple environmental and natural resources projects.

• Funds nine major categories of projects including foundational natural resource data, water resources, environmental education, invasive species management, air quality/renewable energy, land/water/habitat protection, land acquisition/recreation, and emerging issues.

• Largest individual appropriation is $4 million to support the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center at University of Minnesota, with other major grants for prion research ($3 million), parks and trails development ($6+ million), and habitat restoration projects.

• Establishes requirements for funded projects including use of native plant species, ecological restoration plans, restoration evaluations, conservation easements, and public data accessibility; prohibits indirect costs not directly related to specific appropriations.

• Extends availability of prior-year appropriations through June 30, 2023-2027 depending on project type, and permits City of Buhl to sell portions of land acquired with trust fund grants if the grant money wasn't used to improve those specific parcels.