Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to allocate funds to create a comprehensive water availability atlas and develop a siting methodology for large water users in Minnesota. This will help identify areas with sufficient water resources to support new economic developments and businesses.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill authorizes the appropriation of funds in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Natural Resources.
• Development of Tools: The Commissioner, in collaboration with the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office, is tasked with creating a water availability atlas and a siting methodology. These tools will use existing datasets to map out water availability across the state.
• Use of the Tools: The atlas and methodology are designed to aid state agencies, local governments, and economic development authorities in appropriately locating large water-dependent businesses and facilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a new resource, the water availability atlas, which does not currently exist. It provides a systematic approach to identifying suitable locations for businesses that require significant water resources.

Implementation Timeline

• The commissioner is required to submit the completed atlas and methodology to relevant legislative committees by January 15, 2028.

Relevant Terms

water availability atlas, siting methodology, large water users, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office, economic development authorities, natural resources commissioner.