The bill appropriates funds from various heritage and environmental funds in Minnesota for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, focusing on a range of conservation, water quality, and cultural initiatives. Key allocations include significant amounts for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and wildlife management, such as $1,332,000 for prairie grassland restoration and $3,607,000 for land acquisition in the southern Red River Valley. The bill also emphasizes accountability by requiring detailed reporting on fund usage and project outcomes, while encouraging the leveraging of federal grants. Additionally, it establishes monitoring and enforcement funds to ensure compliance with state conservation goals.

In terms of cultural initiatives, the bill allocates substantial funding for arts and heritage projects, including $32,071,000 in the first year for supporting Minnesota artists and arts organizations, with a focus on historically underrepresented communities. It mandates that funds supplement traditional funding sources and includes provisions for preserving Dakota and Ojibwe languages. The bill also outlines specific allocations for community projects, such as $500,000 for an art installation celebrating Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee, and emphasizes the importance of accessibility and diversity in cultural programming. Overall, the bill aims to enhance Minnesota's natural and cultural resources through targeted funding and strategic partnerships.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 97A.056
2nd Engrossment: 97A.056, 129D.17