Local road wetland replacement program funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

HF 1364 allocates $15 million in bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026, plus $15 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027, to fund Minnesota's Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. The funds will allow the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire land or easements and restore or create wetlands to replace those drained or filled during repairs or upgrades of public roads, as required by state law. The bill specifies that land purchases must use fair market value and permits the board to partner with federal agencies, local governments, or conservation groups to secure wetland replacement credits. This directly affects local road projects needing wetland mitigation and the state agency managing these environmental restoration efforts.