Call for proposals for $29.6 million in funding available from MN Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

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SAINT PAUL, MN (03/04/2013)(readMedia)-- The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2014 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund beginning July 1, 2014. The Trust Fund represents the money that, since its inception in 1991, has been generated by the Minnesota State Lottery to provide a constitutionally dedicated funding source for protection of the state's unique natural resources. Approximately $29.6 million is expected to be available for projects being sought in environment and natural resource areas that will provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. Proposals responding to the 2014 RFP are due Friday, June 7, 2013.

Proposals are being requested in the following seven areas:

  1. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information
  2. Water Resources
  3. Environmental Education
  4. Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species
  5. Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy
  6. Methods to Protect, Restore, and Enhance Land, Water, and Habitat
  7. Land Acquisition for Habitat and Recreation

The 2014 RFP contains detailed instructions for submitting a proposal to the LCCMR as well as 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. LCCMR staff are available to review proposal drafts and assist in proposal development. Lobbying or professional grant-writing experience is not necessary for success.

Issuance of this RFP begins the competitive, multi-step process through which the LCCMR selects projects to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. During September and October, 2013, the LCCMR will consider all proposals received in response to the 2014 RFP and make final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the legislature for the 2014 session. Funded projects can begin July 1, 2014.

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is a permanent dedicated fund in the Minnesota state treasury that was established by 77% voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. The amendment directs forty percent of the net proceeds of the Minnesota State 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 2014 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, 1 citizen appointed by the Senate, and 1 citizen appointed by the House). The function of the LCCMR 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. The LCCMR developed from a program initiated in 1963. Since then over $735 million has been appropriated to more than 1,700 projects recommended to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

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