Minnesota House passes legislation that funds 74 key environmental projects

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation authored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) to appropriate $70.881 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The bill provides funding for 74 projects that will protect, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s environment and natural resources. 

“As Minnesotans, we’re proud of our state’s abundant natural resources and want to preserve them for future generations.” said Rep. Hansen. “That’s why Minnesotans voted to establish the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The bill we passed today funds important projects that will protect our water, air, land, and wildlife and create opportunities for people to enjoy these resources.” 

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources reviews dozens of environmental projects that could receive support from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and provides recommendations to the state legislature every year. However, the commission was unable to reach the supermajority required to advance a formal recommendation for appropriations for 2023. The legislation the House passed today contains proposals that received the highest scores from LCCMR members. A list of all 74 projects and how much funding each one will receive is available here. 

Many of the projects will create opportunities for Minnesotans to enjoy the great outdoors and to learn more about our environment. The bill includes $26.466 million for land acquisition, and the majority of these funds will be used to acquire land for parks, trails, and natural areas throughout the state. The bill also contains $4.638 million for environmental education. Twelve educational programs will receive funding, including three programs that serve children and teenagers. 

The bill supports a variety of important projects to preserve and enhance our state’s natural resources. $14.441 million is appropriated for efforts to restore forests, savannas, watersheds, habitats, and more. Some of the land acquisition funding will be used to preserve habitat as well.  

The bill also supports critical research and data collection. It invests $10.7 million in 18 different projects. For example, $3.877 million is allocated to establish a Center for Prion Research and Outreach at the University of Minnesota to study chronic wasting disease and similar illnesses. The university’s Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center will receive $6.23 million to continue their work.  

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund was established after Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1988. Revenue is generated by the Minnesota State Lottery. Since 1991, the fund has provided approximately $700 million to more than 1,700 projects.