Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to allocate funds to support environmental monitoring efforts, specifically focusing on river watch programs in Minnesota. The goal is to enhance water quality and watershed monitoring activities in specific river basins.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $150,000 for fiscal year 2027. These funds are drawn from the clean water fund.
• Beneficiary of Grants: The grants will be given to "Friends of the Minnesota Valley" to support and extend their current water quality and watershed monitoring efforts.
• Area of Focus: The bill specifically targets monitoring activities in schools within the Minnesota River basin watershed and projects coordinated with Clean River Partners in the Cannon River basin watershed.
• Reporting Requirements: By February 15, 2027, "Friends of the Minnesota Valley" must report to the commissioner and relevant legislative committees on how the funds were spent.

Significant Changes

• Program Expansion: The bill provides financial resources to expand existing river watch programs, allowing more schools to participate and covering a broader geographic area within the Minnesota River and Cannon River basins.

Relevant Terms

river watch program, clean water fund, water quality, watershed monitoring, Minnesota River basin, Cannon River basin, environmental monitoring, funding allocation