Minneslate Logo

HF1364 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Local road wetland replacement program funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1281

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota House of Representatives bill proposes funding for the Local Road Wetland Replacement Program through state appropriations and bond sales. The key provisions of the bill include:

  1. Appropriations for Wetland Replacement:

    • $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026.
    • $15 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2027.
    • Funding will be allocated to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire land or permanent easements, restore, create, enhance, and preserve wetlands that have been impacted by public roadwork, in compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.222.

  2. Bond Authorization:

    • The Commissioner of Management and Budget is authorized to issue and sell up to $15 million in state bonds to support the program.

  3. Implementation and Oversight:

    • The board is permitted to adjust the priority order of wetland replacements to align with an in-lieu fee agreement approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act.
    • Land acquisition costs must reflect fair market value.
    • The board may collaborate with federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, private entities, or fee title owners to acquire wetland replacement credits according to Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420.

This bill aims to fund the mitigation of wetland impacts caused by public road projects, ensuring environmental compliance and the preservation of wetland ecosystems.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCapital Investment
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCapital Investment

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Funding for wetland restoration from the general fund and bond proceeds."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill provides appropriations related to wetland replacement due to road construction projects under section 103G.222.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.222",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows variance for priority order in wetland restoration projects."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill impacts the priority order for wetland replacement projects as stated under section 103G.222.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.222",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorization for the sale and issuance of bonds for wetland replacement."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references procedures for bond sale under section 16A.631.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.631",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details the terms for bond issuance to fund wetland replacement."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill complies with bond issuance regulations under section 16A.675.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.675",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors