Information Session for Applicants to Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust

SAINT PAUL, MN (01/17/2018) (readMedia)-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Becca Nash, (651) 296-6264, becca.nash@lccmr.leg.mn

Information session scheduled for potential applicants to Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

(St. Paul, MN) The Legislative- Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) will hold an informational session Wednesday, February 7 from 10:00- 11:30 am for those interested in learning more about applying for funds in response to its 2019 Request for Proposals. Approximately $59 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is available for projects that will provide multiple ecological and other public benefits.

The informational session will be held virtually by webinar and will cover the LCCMR funding process, funding priorities, and how to apply. There will be time for question and answer. While an RSVP is not required, those interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest and submit questions in advance at: http://bit.ly/LCCMR2019RFP

The LCCMR is requesting proposals in the following categories:

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 or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat

7. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

The 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. Applicants are encouraged to submit draft proposals online by Wednesday, March 14 for staff review. The final submission deadline is 4:30, Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Funds are available starting July 2019.

For more information, please visit http://www.lccmr.leg.mn.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

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. Since 1991, the Trust Fund has provided approximately $576 million in support of nearly 1,500 projects benefitting every county in the state.

Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources

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.

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