The first package of funding recommendations from the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council won the approval of a House division April 7.
Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) sponsors HF2131, which proposes to spend $69.5 million in the next fiscal year on mostly environmental projects. The bill comprises the recommendations of the council, which was established to spend money from the three-eighths of 1 percent sales tax increase that was approved as an amendment to the state constitution by voters on last year’s ballot.
The following is a rough breakdown of funding proposed by the bill:
• $20.8 million for wetland acquisition and restoration projects;
• $20 million for the acquisition of forest land and easements;
• $14.2 million for prairie restoration projects, consisting mostly of land acquisitions;
• $13.9 million for fish and wildlife habitat projects; and
• $870,000 for administrative costs.
Funding for the projects would flow through the Department of Natural Resources, which would work in conjunction with local governments and state and national nonprofit groups.
The House State Government Finance Division approved the bill and referred it to the House Finance Committee. Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids) sponsors the companion, SF1927, which awaits action by the Senate Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Budget Division.
Some division members raised questions about a provision that would fund a $4 million competitive grant program under the supervision of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Chairwoman Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) said she didn’t like the idea of having a private organization administer a state-funded program. She successfully amended the bill so that the money would go to the DNR instead.
Doling out resources
Omnibus environment and natural resources law also contains energy provisions
(view full story)
Published 6/1/2010
Definitions matter
Language for environment and energy spending called into question
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
Supplant or supplement?
Some think constitutionally dedicated funds may be filling traditional funding void
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Sinking the law on sunken timber
DNR intends to let sleeping logs lie
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
Figures and statistics on Earth Day and the environment
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Minnesota Index: Quality of life
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's quality of life
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
Talkin’ trash
PCA discovers interpreting the letter of the law isn’t easy
(view full story)
Published 3/18/2010
Land wHOa!
Audit suggests DNR has more land than they can manage
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2010
Safe Drug Disposal Act
Leftover drugs find their way to fish and teens
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Money for outdoors, arts gets green light
Legacy bill passes but still needs work
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
Emerald ash borer ignites prevention policies
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
Toxic Free Kids Act survives House floor omnibus debate
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
(view full story)
Published 2/6/2009