LCCMR seeking project proposals for $70 million from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

ST. PAUL, MN (02/12/2020) (readMedia)-- The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2021 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Approximately $70 million from the lottery-generated fund is available for projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

The LCCMR is requesting proposals in the following categories:

A. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

B. Water Resources

C. Environmental Education

D. Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

E. Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy

F. Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat

G. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

H. Small Projects (under $200,000)

This is the first year that applicants will submit proposals through the LCCMR's new online grant management system. Early submissions are encouraged. The 2021 RFP contains more explanation of the LCCMR's proposal and funding process and instructions for submitting a proposal online. Anyone with a project idea consistent with the RFP may submit a proposal for review by the LCCMR. Lobbying or professional grant-writing experience is not necessary for success.

The release of this RFP begins the competitive process through which the LCCMR selects projects to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Proposals responding to the 2021 RFP are due Wednesday, April 15, 2020. In June through August 2020, the LCCMR will consider all proposals received and make a final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the Legislature for the 2021 session. Funded projects can begin July 1, 2021.

For more information on the 2021 RFP and the LCCMR funding process, visit https://www.lccmr.leg.mn/funding_process/process_2021.html.

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 into the Trust Fund until the year 2025. Since 1991, approximately $697 million from the ENRTF has been spent on over 1,700 projects that protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources in every county of the state.

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is made up of 5 state senators, 5 state representatives, and 7 citizen members. 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 $1 billion has been appropriated to over 2,300 projects recommended to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.