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HF 1364

Local road wetland replacement program funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Authorizes a local road wetland replacement program funded by state bonds and appropriations, distributing funds to cities and counties for road projects with wetland mitigation.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
#bonds #highways #roads #andbridges #wetlandsandnaturalhabitat
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Bill Summary · HF 1364

Summary of HF 1364 (Local road wetland replacement program funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated)

Overview

HF 1364 is a Minnesota House bill introduced on February 24, 2025, and referred to the Capital Investment committee. The bill is labeled under bonds, highways, roads and bridges, and wetlands and natural habitat. The companion Senate bill is SF 1281. The core aim, as indicated by the title, is to establish funding for a local road wetland replacement program, authorize the issuance of bonds, and appropriate money to support the program.

What the bill would do (high-level)

  • Create or authorize a local road wetland replacement program intended to support wetland replacement or restoration activities linked to local road projects.
  • Provide authorization for the state to issue bond debt to finance the program.
  • Appropriate state funds (via bonds and/or direct appropriations) to support the program’s activities, administration, and any matching or cost-sharing requirements.
  • Establish the framework or mechanisms for distributing funds to eligible local jurisdictions (cities, counties, or other local units) undertaking road projects with wetland replacement needs.

Note: The specific program design details—such as eligibility criteria, replacement ratios, project caps, match requirements, grant/loan structures, bidding rules, reporting, and oversight—are not included in the provided information. Those details would appear in the bill text and related fiscal notes.

Key provisions to anticipate (based on the bill’s purpose)

  • Bond authorization: A section authorizing the issuance of state bonds (amount, terms, interest rates, repayment timeline, and any sinking fund provisions).
  • Funding sources and distribution: How proceeds will be sourced (general obligation bonds, cash funds, or a combination) and how funds are allocated to local projects.
  • Program scope and eligibility: Criteria for local road projects to qualify for wetland replacement funding, potential minimums/maximums, and geographic or jurisdictional eligibility.
  • Wetland replacement requirements: Standards for replacement, metrics for success, and compliance with state/federal wetland laws.
  • Administration and oversight: Agencies responsible for program administration, procurement, monitoring, reporting requirements, and annual/audited financial reporting.
  • Matching or cost-sharing: Any required local or federal cost share, and acceptable in-kind contributions.
  • Sunset or renewal: Any automatic expiration, sunset provisions, or renewal processes for the program and appropriations.

Fiscal and implementation considerations

  • The bill would affect state debt issuance and annual debt service obligations tied to bond issuance.
  • Local governments could gain access to funds to advance road projects with wetland mitigation components, potentially accelerating project delivery and environmental restoration outcomes.
  • Fiscal notes would normally accompany the bill to detail estimated costs, debt service, and any impact on state and local budgets.

Process and timeline

  • Status: Introduction and first reading on February 24, 2025; referred to Capital Investment.
  • Next steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and eventual reconciliation with the Senate companion (SF 1281) or passage into law, depending on legislative action.

Affected parties

  • Local units of government (cities, counties) undertaking road projects requiring wetland replacement.
  • State agencies involved in transportation, environmental mitigation, and bond management.
  • Stakeholders in wetlands and natural habitat preservation associated with highway projects.

Related bill

  • SF 1281 (companion to HF 1364)

For a complete understanding, review the full bill text and any fiscal notes when they become available to confirm specific provisions, funding amounts, bond terms, and program design details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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