Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funds to counties in Minnesota for addressing blight conditions and remediating environmental contamination on properties that have been taken over by the county due to tax foreclosure or are managed in trust by the state.

Main Provisions

• Grant Program Establishment: The bill directs the Pollution Control Agency to create a grant program specifically aimed at helping counties clean up tax-forfeited or tax-foreclosed properties.

• Eligible Uses for Grants: Counties can use the grant money to:

  1. Remediate environmental contamination on these properties.
  2. Conduct related testing and monitoring for hazardous substances.
  3. Fix blighted conditions on these properties.

• Application Process: Counties seeking grants must apply using a form specified by the commissioner. The application must include detailed information such as:

  • Description and documentation of public ownership of the property.
  • Test results or reasons to suspect contamination.
  • Evidence of blighted conditions affecting public safety or health.
  • A proposed plan for remediation, including costs and the source of any additional funding.

• Grant Award Considerations: When awarding grants, the commissioner needs to:

  • Have the ability to modify county proposals for remediation.
  • Evaluate the county's financial ability to implement the plan without a grant.
  • Consider previous expenditures on assessments or emergency issues at the property.
  • Ensure statewide distribution of funds for equitable benefits.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill proposes a new section in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 115B, designed to provide financial aid for the cleanup of public properties that suffer from environmental issues and are a result of tax foreclosure processes. This initiative signifies a structured governmental response to help maintain public safety, enhance the environment, and promote the betterment of community spaces.

Relevant Terms

• Tax-forfeited properties
• Environmental contamination
• Blight conditions
• Remediation
• Pollution Control Agency
• Public safety and health