The bill appropriates $1,500,000 from the general fund for groundwater management area activities in fiscal year 2026. Specifically, it allocates $1,000,000 of this amount to the Metropolitan Council to support the development of a comprehensive plan for communities in the White Bear Lake area, as outlined in previous legislation (Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 5, paragraph (f)). This funding is designated as a one-time appropriation and will remain available until June 30, 2028.

The new legal language introduced in this bill emphasizes the importance of groundwater management and comprehensive planning in Minnesota. The appropriation aims to enhance the state's efforts in managing natural resources effectively, particularly in areas facing challenges related to groundwater.