Minnesota Legacy Funds support Council initiatives
Legacy Amendment funds support Council initiatives that directly enhance the region's quality of life
What is the Legacy Amendment?
In 2008, Minnesota's voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment) to the Minnesota Constitution to: protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
The Legacy Amendment supports these activities through the Minnesota state sales tax, with funding going to a clean water fund; outdoor heritage fund; arts and cultural heritage fund; and parks and trails fund.
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund was established following voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. The money in the Trust Fund is generated by the Minnesota State Lottery, and funds projects throughout Minnesota.
How are Legacy Amendment funds distributed and used?
Legacy funds are distributed to numerous agencies and organizations for a wide variety of initiatives that enhance the region's quality of life.
See a list of agencies that receive and administer Legacy funds.
What Council initiatives are supported by Legacy Amendment funds?
The Council has received Clean Water Legacy Amendment funds primarily to support water supply planning and water conservation initiatives. The Council also distributes Parks and Trails funds for park acquisition and facilities improvements to agencies that operate metro-area parks and trails, such as cities and counties.
Contacts
Parks and Trails: The Metropolitan Council distributes Parks and Trails funds to partnering agencies that operate metro-area parks and trails, such as cities and counties. For more information, please contact Arne Stefferud, arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us, 651-602-1360
Clean Water: For information on Council projects related to water conservation and water supply planning, please contact
- For projects related to water supply planning, please contact Lanya Ross, lanya.ross@metc.state.mn.us.
- For projects related to water quality, please contact Kent Johnson, kent.johnson@metc.state.mn.us.
- For projects related to Public Facilities Authority, please contact Jason Willett, jason.willet@metc.state.mn.us.