Laserfiche WebLink
May 21, 2019 Page 2 <br /> <br />of this funding for any capital projects, such as the flood hazard mitigation program, and the spending levels will also make it difficult for the legislature to approve significant dedicated funds for the DNR’s legal costs. <br />We will be working as closely as possible with capital investment committee chairs, staff, and <br />other members in the upcoming final negotiations and Special Legislative Session as the budget deal becomes final and will keep the Diversion updated as developments occur. Going forward into the legislative interim, this summer will be critical for the Diversion’s short, <br />medium, and long-term efforts to secure funding for the requested Minnesota share of the <br />project’s costs. This summer, the legislative capital investment committees and representatives from the Governor’s administration will be touring the state to see in person capital requests throughout Minnesota. It is vital that the Diversion put its best foot forward in making the case to these state leaders. The first step in that process is to determine if the Diversion and/or its <br />Minnesota local government partners will submit a formal request for funding through the local <br />government request process. Those applications are due to MMB by June 14th and more information on the process is available on the MMB Capital Budget website, linked below: https://mn.gov/mmb/budget/budget-instructions/capbud/ <br />While the primary funds being requested for the Diversion are through a state agency program, it <br />is not uncommon for local governments to submit their own requests instead of solely relying on the DNR to request these funds. It could be a wise decision, especially considering the Governor’s 2019 capital request did not include any funding for flood hazard mitigation grants. If desired, staff at Fredrikson & Byron would be available in the next two weeks to seek an <br />answer from the DNR on what they intend to request for that program. We will also be working <br />as closely as possible with the administration and legislative staff planning the upcoming bonding tours to ensure the Diversion is included in any visits to the region this summer.