LCCMR seeks public input on future state funding for environment and natural resources projects

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SAINT PAUL, MN (03/12/2024) (readMedia)-- The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a 17-member state commission made up of legislators and citizens, is seeking the public's help in determining priorities for future spending from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The public's input will help the LCCMR develop a new strategic plan to guide funding decisions for special environment, natural resources, and outdoor recreation projects for the next six years.

Members of the public are invited to take a survey and share their opinion with state decision-makers on the important environment, natural resource, and outdoor recreation issues across Minnesota in need of funding. All voices are welcome and encouraged to participate in the public engagement survey, which can be accessed via the QR code on this page, or directly, through: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D52JVQC.

On Tuesday, March 26, the LCCMR will host a virtual public listening session from 4 – 6 pm via Zoom. Members of the public are invited to hear more about the LCCMR and the ENRTF, participate in a discussion, and tell state-decision makers what environment, natural resource, and outdoor recreation issues they believe need funding. Members of the public can register for the event through Eventbrite, at: bit.ly/4aanbPw.

The LCCMR will also be holding in-person listening sessions to hear from the public in April and May in Brainerd, Baxter, Detroit Lakes, and St. Paul. Watch for times and locations for these events and find additional information about LCCMR strategic planning efforts on our website, at: https://bit.ly/LCCMR_strategic_plan.

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 40% of the net proceeds of the Minnesota State Lottery, into the ENRTF until the year 2025. Since 1991, approximately $960 million from the ENRTF has been spent on over 1,900 projects that protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources in every county in the state.

Currently, the ENRTF provides $80-90 million per year for projects across the state through a competitive application process. To learn more about the ENRTF, visit https://www.lccmr.mn.gov/ and follow @mnenrtf on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

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 recommendation to the Minnesota State Legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the ENRTF. The LCCMR developed from a program initiated in 1963.