Local road wetland replacement program bond issue and appropriation

This bill appropriates $15 million from 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 the Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. It directly affects local road projects that require wetland replacement under Minnesota Statutes §103G.222, as these projects often drain or fill wetlands during repairs or upgrades. The program enables the Board of Water and Soil Resources to purchase land/easements or acquire wetland replacement credits at fair market value to restore or preserve wetlands, using agreements with federal agencies, local governments, or nonprofits. The funds are specifically for offsetting wetland loss caused by public road maintenance activities, not for new road construction.