More than $818 million in legacy dollars will fund improvements to natural and cultural resources

A new law appropriates money to “protect, enhance, and restore” everything from wildlife habitats to water sources while also devoting funds to preserving arts and cultural heritage and supporting parks and trails.

With revenue raised from the 0.375% sales tax increase ratified by voters in 2008, the law spends $818.75 million from the four funds established by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment: $318.4 million from the Clean Water Fund, $191.95 million from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, $171.79 million from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, and $136.61 million to the Parks and Trails Fund.

Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul) and Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul) sponsor the new law that takes effect July 1, 2023.

HF1999*/SF1682/CH40

Clean Water Fund

For various water testing, assessments, and restoration projects — among other things — the Clean Water Fund will distribute most of its $318.4 million appropriation as follows:

• $156.13 million for the Board of Water and Soil Resources;

• $48.38 million for the Pollution Control Agency;

• $41.68 million to the Department of Agriculture;

• $25.56 million for the Department of Natural Resources;

• $23.2 million for the Department of Health;

• $16.7 million for the Public Facilities Authority;

• $3.75 million for the Metropolitan Council; and

• $3 million for the University of Minnesota.

Moreover, the law will set a goal for all waters to have achieved their designated uses, i.e. to be swimmable, fishable, and drinkable, by 2050. (Art. 2, Secs. 2-9, 11-12)

Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund

As the largest recipient, the Minnesota States Arts Board will divide most of its $92.22 million appropriation between arts and art access initiatives, arts education grants, arts and cultural heritage activities and a public art project in St. Paul.

Other major spending includes:

• $36.98 million for the Minnesota Historical Society to offer statewide historic and cultural grants, fund statewide history programs, support history partnerships’ preservation efforts, conduct a survey of historical and archaeological sites and create a digital library project;

• $31.15 million for the Department of Administration, which provides funding to Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota Public Television Association, Como Park Zoo, Hmong Plaza, Minnesota Council on Disability, and the Veterans Memorial Park in Wyoming, among others;

• $16.46 million for the Minnesota Humanities Center, including grants for children’s museums, capacity building and civics education;

• $5.75 million for the Department of Education for library grants and a water safety grant program; and

• $4.6 million for the Indian Affairs Council to preserve Dakota and Ojibwe languages.

A portion of all funding will need to be used by recipients to improve access to programs, exhibits, and events that traditionally have an entry fee. The new law encourages providing free access days. (Art. 4, Sec. 2)

Outdoor Heritage Fund

The Outdoor Heritage Fund will split its appropriations accordingly:

• $97.35 million for habitats;

• $33.47 million for wetlands;

• $31.92 million for prairies;

• $6.57 million for forests; and

• $2.49 million for administration. (Art. 1, Sec. 2)

Parks and Trails Fund

The majority of this fund will be allocated for three different purposes.

The Department of Natural Resources will receive $54.1 million for state parks, state recreation areas and state trails to connect people with the outdoors, acquire land, maintain existing facilities, and improve coordination with partners.

Approximately $27.05 million will be used for grants for parks and trails of regional significance outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.

For approved projects to support parks and trails within the metropolitan regional parks and trails system, the Metropolitan Council will also receive approximately $54.1 million.

Any implementing agency, county or city with an entrance fee or vehicle permit requirement will be required to provide free access to all its parks at least four days per year.

Along with the Clean Water Fund, the Parks and Trails Fund “should make progress toward providing people with disabilities greater access to programs, print publications, and digital media” funded from these appropriations. (Art. 2, Sec. 2; Art. 3, Sec. 2-4, 7)

HF1999* / SF1682 / CH40