Call for Proposals for 2010 Funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

SAINT PAUL, MN (02/11/2009)(readMedia)-- The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Projects are being sought in specific environment and natural resource areas that provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. Proposals responding to the 2010 RFP are due Friday, May 1, 2009.

Proposals are being requested in the following seven categories:

1. 1. Water Resources: Specifically relating to groundwater sustainability, estrogenic and pharmaceutical contaminants in surface and ground waters, and aquatic habitat protection.
2. 2. Renewable Energy Related to Climate Change: Specifically relating to greenhouse gas reduction and implementation of clean energy technologies.
3. 3. Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Acquisition: Specifically relating to the development of capabilities for conducting effective habitat restoration and enactment of permanent protection for lands with multiple conservation benefits.
4. 4. Invasive Species: Specifically relating to the prevention and control of invasive species.
5. 5. Natural Resource Conservation Planning and Implementation: Specifically relating to support for communities to develop and implement integrated natural resource, open space, and conservation plans.
6. 6. Environmental Education: Specifically relating to innovative delivery of environmental education to K-12 and adult audiences.
7. 7. Creative Ideas: Specifically seeking "out of the box" thinking, ideas, and innovation that could produce transformative changes benefitting Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

The 2010 RFP (http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/RequestforProposals/2010/2010_RFP.pdf) contains detailed descriptions of the funding priorities under each of the seven categories listed, along with directions for submitting a proposal to the LCCMR and additional explanation of the LCCMR's proposal and funding process. Anyone with a project idea consistent with the RFP may submit a proposal for consideration by the LCCMR.

During Summer and Fall 2009, the LCCMR will consider all proposals received in response to the 2010 RFP and select projects to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund beginning July 1, 2010.

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is a permanent fund in the Minnesota state treasury that was established by voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. The amendment directs forty percent of the net proceeds of the Minnesota Lottery, or approximately seven cents of every dollar spent on playing the lottery, into the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund is intended to provide a long-term, stable source of funding for innovative and far-sighted activities that protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources for the benefit of current citizens and future generations.

For more information on the LCCMR funding process or the 2010 RFP, please visit http://www.lccmr.leg.mn.

Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) - The LCCMR is made up of 17 members (5 Senators, 5 Representatives, 5 citizens appointed by the governor, and 2 citizens appointed by the Senate and the House). The function of the LCCMR (formerly LCMR) is to make funding recommendations to the Minnesota State Legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. These projects help maintain and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources. The LCCMR developed from a program initiated in 1963. Prior to May 1, 2008 over $600 million has been appropriated to more than 1,250 projects recommended to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

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