This bill appropriates funds for the Local Road Wetland Replacement Program in Minnesota, allocating a total of $15,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund and $11,500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026. These funds are designated for the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire land or permanent easements and to restore, create, enhance, and preserve wetlands that have been impacted by the repair or rehabilitation of public roads. The bill allows the board to adjust the priority order for wetland replacement as necessary to comply with federal regulations and mandates that the purchase price for land or easements be determined at fair market value.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the commissioner of management and budget to sell and issue state bonds up to $15,000,000 to fund the appropriations from the bond proceeds. It also includes a base appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 for the same purposes as outlined for fiscal year 2026. The provisions of this bill will take effect the day after it is enacted.