Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve groundwater protection and soil health in the southeast region of Minnesota. It focuses on preventing the leaching of crop nutrients, managing nitrogen levels in the soil, and reducing soil erosion in several counties.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates money from the general fund for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This funding is designated for the commissioner of agriculture to provide grants to soil and water conservation districts within specified Minnesota counties.

• Counties Involved: The initiative targets Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties.

• Initiative Goals: The focus is on reducing the leaching of excess nutrients into the groundwater, immobilizing unused nitrogen in the soil, and mitigating erosion through various programs.

• Subgrant Usage: Soil and water conservation districts receiving grants can issue subgrants for projects that align with the Olmsted County initiatives, which include programs for cover crops, alternative crops, and enhancements for haying, grazing, and pasture management.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill allows for exceptions to Minnesota Statutes section 17.134 by permitting districts to use grants for specific subprojects even if they fall outside typical statutory provisions.

Relevant Terms

• Groundwater protection
• Soil health
• Nutrient leaching
• Nitrogen immobilization
• Erosion reduction
• Cover crops program
• Alternative crops program
• Haying, grazing, and pasture enhancement program