A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing Keep It Clean program; appropriating
money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97C.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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The commissioner, in consultation with the Board of
Water and Soil Resources and the commissioners of the Pollution Control Agency and
health, must develop and administer a statewide Keep It Clean program to prevent water
pollution due to garbage and human waste left on the ice of state waters during winter use
activities. As part of the program, the commission must:
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(1) coordinate and provide outreach to local units of government and nongovernmental
organizations;
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(2) facilitate other state agencies' participation in local programs and projects;
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(3) coordinate media efforts;
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(4) establish a statewide education campaign; and
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(5) develop and administer a grant program according to subdivision 2.
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The commissioner must develop a grant program to provide money
to local units of government and nongovernmental organizations to implement local programs
to prevent water pollution due to garbage and human waste left on the ice of state waters
during winter use activities. Activities eligible for grants under this section include but are
not limited to:
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(1) installing and maintaining public, sanitary, winterized dumping stations at accessible,
designated locations near lake access points and major travel corridors;
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(2) providing dedicated seasonal services, facilities, and containers to transport and
dispose of human and pet biowaste at preapproved locations;
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(3) increasing enforcement of related state and local ordinances by providing the resources
needed to increase state and local law enforcement patrols during the winter months and
establishing volunteer county programs for winter lake patrol;
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(4) education and outreach efforts promoting local and regional Keep It Clean activities;
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(5) organizing spring cleanup efforts, excluding cleanup efforts after significant events,
including but not limited to festivals, ice fishing contests, and ice races; and
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(6) local advertising and marketing efforts to educate and promote Keep It Clean
messaging and provide information about laws and regulations regarding Keep It Clean.
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$....... in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
natural resources to develop and administer the Keep It Clean program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 97C.364. Of this amount, at least $....... is available for grants. The base
for this appropriation in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $........
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