Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative funding provided, and money appropriated.

HF 2916 appropriates state funds for a groundwater and soil health initiative in southeastern Minnesota. The bill allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to soil and water conservation districts in 11 specific counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona). These funds will support projects that reduce fertilizer runoff into groundwater, prevent soil erosion, and improve soil health through cover crops, alternative crops, and enhanced grazing practices. The initiative directly benefits local farmers and conservation districts by providing financial resources for sustainable agricultural practices.