The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 381.125, subdivision 1, to enhance the public land survey system monument grant program. It introduces a collaborative process involving the Geospatial Advisory Council and stakeholders licensed as land surveyors to accept applications from counties and Tribal governments for grants aimed at preserving public land survey system monuments. The criteria for awarding grants are also revised to prioritize counties demonstrating financial need and those that meet specific conditions, such as preserving at-risk monuments, having a low percentage of certified corners, or showing that remonumentation will support economic development.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $10,000,000 from the general fund for the grant program in fiscal year 2026, with the same amount set as the base for the following two fiscal years. It allows for up to $350,000 each year to be allocated for the administration of the grant program by the chief geospatial information officer. Both sections of the bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 381.125