Wetland Banking Program wetlands restoration and creation grants provision and appropriation

This bill appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to create a cost-sharing program. It directly provides grants to Minnesota landowners for restoring or creating sustainable wetlands eligible for wetland banking under Minnesota Statutes sections 103G.222 and 103G.2251. Eligible activities include site assessments, engineering design/construction (including removing drainage systems), establishing vegetation, and costs for long-term easements. The program aims to support wetland restoration through direct financial assistance to landowners.