Legacy dollars will fund improvements to habitat, arts and parks

A new law appropriates millions of dollars from the Legacy Fund for the protection of drinking water sources; the protection, enhancement, or restoration of wetlands, prairies, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife habitat; arts and cultural heritage; and parks and trails.

Funding is provided under the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment that raises money from a 0.375% sales tax, approved by voters in late 2008. The money collected is distributed as follows: 33% to the Clean Water Fund; 33% to the Outdoor Heritage Fund; 19.75% to the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund; and 14.25% to the Parks and Trails Fund.

Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul) and Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul) sponsor the law that took effect May 18, 2024.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund will receive $192.71 million for projects in fiscal year 2025, as follows:

• $101.29 million for habitats;

• $38.41 million for wetlands;

• $32.16 million for forests;

• $19.44 million for prairies: and

• $1.4 million for contract administration.

Protecting the upper Mississippi River from invasive carp is included in the habitat appropriations. In fiscal year 2025, $12 million is provided for the state to work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies to design, construct, and begin operating and maintaining a structural deterrent for invasive carp at Lock and Dam No. 5. Deterrent installation must be completed by June 30, 2029.

The Clean Water Fund will receive almost $25.43 million for fiscal year 2025 projects, as follows:

• $11.43 million for the Board of Water and Soil Resources;

• $5.33 million for the Pollution Control Agency;

• $4.4 million for the Department of Agriculture;

• $3.17 million of the Department of Health; and

• $90,000 for the Department of Natural Resources.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage will receive $12.21 million for projects in fiscal year 2025, as follows:

• $5.74 million to the Minnesota State Arts Board;

• $3.55 million for the Minnesota Humanities Center;

• $1.72 million for the Department of Administration; and

• $1.2 million for the Minnesota Historical Society.

The Parks and Trails Fund appropriations are almost $9.11 million in additional fiscal year 2025 appropriations over funding from a 2023 law: $3.64 million for metropolitan area regional parks; $3.64 million for state parks, recreation areas and trails; and $1.82 million for grants for parks and trails outside the metropolitan area.

• The Metropolitan Council funding language states that agencies that charge a fee for activities or rental equipment such as watercraft, skis, bicycles, golf clubs, and green fees must report to the council the opportunities they provide for free and reduced-cost activities and programs, including sports equipment.

HF4124*/SF5116/CH106

HF4124* / SF5116 / CH106