Is the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund the only resource for state funding of environment and natural resource projects?
No. Trust Fund appropriations are only a small part of total state spending relating to the environment and natural resources. So far Trust Fund appropriations have equaled less than one percent of the total state spending on environment and natural resources biennially. The general fund, bonding, and user fees have accounted for the bulk of spending in these areas. However, the newly-adopted outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage amendment to the Minnesota Constitution (MN Constitution Art. XI, Sec. 15), passed in November 2008, dedicates portions of three-eighths of one percent of state sales tax to specific types of environment and natural resources projects through June 30, 2034 and this will provide a significant boost to state spending in these areas. Back to Contents 32. What are the “new” constitutionally dedicated “environment” and “natural resource” funds created by the outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cult
