The bill proposes the establishment of a Local Road Wetland Replacement Program, which includes a one-time appropriation 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 drained or filled due to public road maintenance activities. The bill allows the board to adjust the priority order for wetland replacement in accordance with federal regulations and mandates that the purchase price for land or easements be determined at fair market value.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the sale and issuance of state bonds up to $15,000,000 to fund the appropriations from the bond proceeds fund. It also includes base appropriations of $7,500,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund for the same wetland restoration purposes, along with an additional $2,000,000 in each of those years specifically for administering the local government roads wetland replacement program. Any unneeded funds from the administration budget may be redirected to support the wetland restoration efforts. The provisions of this bill will take effect the day following its final enactment.