This bill appropriates funds for various environmental, conservation, and cultural initiatives in Minnesota for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It designates one-time allocations from the outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage funds for specific projects, including land acquisition, habitat restoration, and support for arts organizations. Notable funding amounts include $1,332,000 for land acquisition in Martin County, $3,607,000 for Pheasants Forever, and $32,071,000 for supporting Minnesota artists. The bill emphasizes accountability by requiring detailed reporting on fund usage and mandates that appropriations supplement, rather than replace, traditional funding sources.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding the use of funds from the arts and cultural heritage fund, specifying that these funds cannot be used for new construction or major renovations, except for preserving historic structures. It also includes provisions for grants aimed at underrepresented communities, such as Indigenous and African American populations, and emphasizes measurable outcomes for funded projects. The bill aims to enhance Minnesota's natural resources, promote sustainable practices, and foster a vibrant cultural landscape through targeted funding and strategic partnerships, while ensuring compliance and transparency in the use of appropriated funds.

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