The bill H.F. No. 2563 appropriates significant funding from various state funds, including the outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage funds, to support a range of environmental, conservation, and cultural initiatives in Minnesota. Key allocations include funding for land acquisition and habitat restoration projects, such as $1,332,000 for Martin County and $3,607,000 for the southern Red River Valley. The bill also emphasizes accountability by mandating that all projects be approved as part of an accomplishment plan and introduces new provisions that restrict the use of outdoor heritage fund appropriations to direct costs only. Additionally, it extends the availability of certain appropriations from previous laws and establishes guidelines for leveraging federal grant funds.

In the realm of arts and cultural heritage, the bill allocates substantial resources, including $29,669,000 for the Minnesota State Arts Board and $6,093,000 for statewide historic and cultural grants. It introduces new restrictions on the use of arts and cultural heritage funds, prohibiting appropriations for new construction or major renovations, except for specific preservation projects. The bill also emphasizes the importance of supporting diverse cultural expressions and mandates measurable outcomes for grant recipients. Overall, H.F. No. 2563 aims to enhance Minnesota's natural resources, water quality, and cultural heritage through targeted funding and strategic oversight.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 97A.056, 114D.30, 129D.17
2nd Engrossment: 97A.056, 114D.30, 129D.17
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 97A.056, 114D.50, 129D.17
CCR-HF2563: 97A.056, 114D.30, 129D.17