Clean Water Legacy Funds at Work
Examples of projects funded by Clean Water Legacy Funds
The Natural Movement of Water Restored to Crow Wing County With Legacy Amendment Funds/
Legacy Funds Strengthen County Septic Pollution Prevention Programs
Background on the Clean Water Legacy Amendment
http://www.theamendment.org/track/
Over 1.6 million Minnesotans voted for the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. That's more than voted for any candidate in our state’s history.
How can I tell if funds protected by the Amendment are being raided by state policymakers?
Minnesota State Law says the Amendment proceeds “must supplement traditional sources of funding for these purposes and may not be used as a substitute.” There are four simple principles Minnesotans can use as a yardstick to be confident the state is living up to this promise in appropriating and spending funds.
They are:
- Conservation funding is currently just over 1% of the state general fund. General fund conservation spending should not dip below traditional levels.
- Other “dedicated” funds, like boat registration fees and lottery revenues, should not be used to offset new budget cuts. If any of these dedicated funds are diverted for new purposes, it is a sure sign that the intent of the amendment is not being followed.
- In years that it has passed major bonding bills, the state has traditionally devoted a substantial portion of its general fund-supported bonding for conservation projects like wastewater treatment, setting aside Wildlife Management Areas and creating new parks and trails. That level of bond funding for conservation purposes should remain consistent.
- Funding for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council should not fall below the current general fund levels.
How much money will the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment provide?
It is expected to raise at least $250 million per year, adjusted for inflation, over the next 25 years.
How is money from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment divided?
- Fish and wildlife habitat: 33%
- Clean water: 33%
- Parks and trails: 14.25%
- Arts and cultural heritage: 19.75%
Will state agencies like the DNR control the money?
No. These dollars will not go directly to the DNR, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), or other state or local agencies. The Legislature will make final funding decisions based on the merits of any proposed projects. Projects can be proposed by the DNR and MPCA, as well as other organizations and agencies, including non-governmental organizations.
Where will the new money go when it’s collected?
Fish and wildlife habitat money is deposited in an outdoor heritage fund and may be spent only to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game.
Clean water money is deposited in a clean water fund and may be spent only to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater from degradation, and at least five percent of the clean water fund must be spent only to protect drinking water sources;
Parks and trails money is deposited in a parks and trails fund and may be spent only to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance;
Arts and cultural heritage money is deposited in an arts and cultural heritage fund and may be spent only for arts, arts education, and arts access and to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage.
How can I let policymakers know how I feel?
This site makes it easy for you to help protect the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. You can let the Governor and your state legislators know you want the Amendment protected. Here’s how - https://secure2.convio.net/mnlcv/site/Advocacy?id=183&pagename=homepage
