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HF 452

Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative funding provided from the clean water fund, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Jacob and 1 co-sponsor

Funds the Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative from the Clean Water Fund to improve groundwater quality and promote soil health practices.

Author added Smith
#water #waterresources #andwaterways
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Bill Summary · HF 452

Summary of HF 452 (2025-2026) — Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative funding from the Clean Water Fund; appropriations

Purpose and intent

HF 452 establishes funding support from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund for a Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative. The bill aims to improve groundwater quality and resilience in the Southeast region and promote soil health practices that benefit water resources, in alignment with clean water and environmental protection goals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Funding source and allocation

    • Directs funds from the Clean Water Fund to support the Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative.
    • Specifies appropriation amounts (the bill text would provide the exact dollar figure and any associated programmatic requirements; this summary notes that Clean Water Fund moneys are the source).

  • Program scope and activities

    • Supports projects and activities focused on groundwater protection in the Southeast region.
    • Includes components to advance soil health practices, which may involve soil health management, nutrient management, cover crops, reduced tillage, or other soil conservation strategies.
    • Emphasizes efforts that contribute to groundwater quality protection, source water protection, and sustainable agricultural practices.

  • Administration and implementation

    • Likely designates a managing entity or partners (e.g., state agencies, regional partners, or a combination) responsible for administering grants or subgrants and overseeing program performance.
    • May establish eligibility criteria for applicants (e.g., counties, conservation districts, municipalities, agricultural producers, soil and water conservation organizations).

  • Reporting and evaluation

    • Requires reporting on fund use, project outcomes, and measurable impacts on groundwater protection and soil health.
    • May specify performance metrics such as groundwater quality indicators, soil organic matter increases, nutrient runoff reductions, or acres enrolled in soil health practices.

Who would be affected

  • Region and communities in Southeast Minnesota: Local governments, watershed districts, conservation districts, and landowners implementing groundwater protection or soil health practices.
  • Agricultural producers and fertilizer/nutrient management stakeholders: Beneficiaries of incentives, grants, or technical assistance to adopt soil health strategies.
  • State agencies: Agencies involved in natural resources, environment, agriculture, and finance would administer or oversee the program and ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced and assigned to the Legacy Finance committee (as of February 13, 2025).
  • Authorship: Author added (Smith) on March 20, 2025, with co-sponsors Steve Jacob and Andy Smith.
  • Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee analysis, potential amendments, and floor action in the Minnesota Legislature. If enacted, it would provide a multi-year funding mechanism or a defined appropriation period as specified in the bill.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to fund a Southeast regional initiative from the Clean Water Fund. Specific dollar amounts, matching requirements, duration, and detailed eligibility criteria would be defined in the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes. Readers should consult the latest version of the bill for precise figures and programmatic language.

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

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