This bill proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at restoring and creating wetlands as part of the wetland banking initiative in Minnesota. It appropriates funds from the general fund, specifically $....... for fiscal year 2026 and $....... for fiscal year 2027, to the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The program is designed to assist landowners in undertaking various activities that contribute to sustainable wetland restoration and creation, which are eligible under the Wetland Conservation Act.

Eligible activities for the grants include site assessment and evaluation, engineering design and construction (which may involve rerouting or removing drainage systems), establishing vegetation, and covering costs related to long-term easements on the wetland. This initiative aims to enhance the state's natural resources by promoting wetland conservation and management through financial support for landowners.