Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to allocate funding to support the Mississippi Headwaters Board in implementing its comprehensive plan for the upper Mississippi River. This initiative aims to preserve and manage the natural resources in the areas under the board's jurisdiction.

Main Provisions

• Funding Appropriation: The bill appropriates $175,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $175,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund. These funds are designated for the Commissioner of Natural Resources to provide a grant to the Mississippi Headwaters Board.
• Cost-Sharing: The grant from this appropriation is intended to cover up to 50 percent of the costs associated with implementing the comprehensive plan for managing the upper Mississippi River.
• Reporting Requirement: By December 15, 2027, the Mississippi Headwaters Board must submit a report outlining the activities funded by this appropriation and detailing the progress made towards implementing their comprehensive plan. The report must be submitted to the legislative committees responsible for environment and natural resources.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces a specific financial commitment from the general fund over two fiscal years to support a particular natural resource management plan. There is no indication of changes to existing laws, but the bill enforces a new financial support mechanism for the Mississippi Headwaters Board.

Relevant Terms

natural resources, Mississippi Headwaters Board, appropriation, comprehensive plan, upper Mississippi River, fiscal year, general fund, grant, cost-sharing, reporting requirement, legislative committees.