This bill appropriates a total of $300,000 from the clean water fund for the River Watch Program, with $150,000 allocated for fiscal year 2026 and another $150,000 for fiscal year 2027. The funds are designated for the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to provide grants to Friends of the Minnesota Valley. The purpose of these grants is to enhance and expand water-quality and watershed-monitoring activities in schools within the Minnesota River basin watershed, as well as to collaborate with Clean River Partners to implement a river watch program in the Cannon River basin watershed.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by February 15, 2027, Friends of the Minnesota Valley must submit a report detailing the expenditure of the appropriated funds to the commissioner and relevant legislative committees overseeing environment and natural resources finance and policy, as well as the clean water fund. This reporting requirement ensures accountability and transparency regarding the use of the allocated funds for the River Watch Program.