LCCMR seeking proposals for $59 million in project funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources

SAINT PAUL, MN (01/04/2018) (readMedia)-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

LCCMR seeking proposals for $59 million in project funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

(St. Paul, MN, January 3, 2018) – The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2019 Request for Proposals (RFP) for funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Approximately $59 million is available for projects that will provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. New this year is a focus on proposals for projects under $200,000, especially from local units of government and non- profits, that aim to quickly and efficiently provide environment and natural resource benefits in Minnesota.

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 2019 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 assist in proposal development and to review proposal drafts. 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. Proposals responding to the 2019 RFP are due Wednesday, April 11, 2018. In June 2018, the LCCMR will consider all proposals received and make final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the legislature for the 2019 session. Funded projects can begin July 1, 2019.

For more information on the 2019 RFP and the LCCMR funding process, please visit https://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.