This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.155, subdivision 2, to expand the permissible uses of the remediation fund. It allows for cost reimbursement related to PFAS contamination remediation specifically at emergency response training centers. The new legal language specifies that the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency can reimburse owners and operators of these centers for costs incurred due to PFAS contamination associated with the use of firefighting foam, provided that the use of such foam ceased by January 1, 2015. The reimbursement can cover various costs, including investigation, response, and planning efforts, for expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2023.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the environmental fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency. This funding is designated for grants to state colleges or universities eligible for reimbursement under the amended statute. The commissioner is instructed to prioritize grants for institutions that have enrolled as cooperative responsible parties in the agency's remediation program. The bill also includes several deletions and insertions to clarify the roles of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of management and budget in the reimbursement process and the submission of work plans.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.155