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

HF 983 appropriates $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund Minnesota's Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. This program replaces wetlands drained during public road repairs, as required by state law (Minnesota Statutes §103G.222), and is administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The bill authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds and allocates an additional $7.5 million annually from 2026-2027, plus $2 million yearly for program administration. It requires fair market value pricing for land/easement purchases and allows the Board to acquire wetland replacement credits through agreements with federal agencies or private entities.