Emerging Issues Account

Emerging Issues Account

The Emerging Issues Account is intended to be used for efforts addressing an unexpected and urgent need in an expedited manner. Requests for funds from the Emerging Issues account follow a different process than the LCCMR’s RFP and funding recommendation process. The process for requesting funds from the Emerging Issues Account is detailed below. Emerging Issues Account appropriations are authorized under M.S. 116P.08, Subd. 4.

Available Funds and Deadlines

Proposal submissions in 2025 will be due on:

• March 19, 2025 for consideration at the June 11, 2025 meeting
• November 19, 2025 for consideration at the December 10, 2025 meeting

$186,000 is currently available in the Emerging Issues Account from the following appropriations and funds must be spent by the date indicated:

• M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 10b for $186,000 (deadline to spend is June 30, 2027)

It is advisable to request funds from one or another of the appropriations listed above. Funds awarded from different appropriations will need to be tracked and reported on in separate work plans.

Emerging Issues Account Criteria

The funds in the Emerging Issues Account may be recommended for an effort that has an unexpected and urgent need, such as:

• Addressing environmental or disease issues where delay will threaten the viability of segments of the State’s natural resources or human health;
• Implementing a natural resource corrective action where delay will be detrimental to the State’s natural resources;
• An opportunity to enhance natural resource management in a timely manner;
• An opportunity to acquire critical land in a timely manner.

Use of the funds must be consistent with the Commission’s strategic plan. Notification of the availability of the Emerging Issues Account will be posted on the LCCMR website.

Requesting Funds

To be considered for a LCCMR recommendation for use of the Emerging Issues Account, a letter (one page limit) must be submitted to the LCCMR requesting funds at lccmr@lccmr.mn.gov. The letter must:

• Describe the specific urgency;
• Explain how the request fits the emerging issues account criteria;
• Explain the proposed use of the funds including proposed results and deliverables.

Attached to the letter requesting consideration of funding must be a description of the organization describing its capability to carry out the activity proposed and an excel sheet of the budget. Please use the budget template shown below. An initial conversation with staff prior to proposal drafting is recommended.

Awarding Funds

• The Commission will review requests at least semi-annually at posted and open meetings.
• For a request to be approved, a quorum of the Commission must be present and at least 60% of those members present must vote in favor of approval.
• If a request is approved by the LCCMR it will be sent to the governor for consideration per M.S. 116P.08, Subd. 4.
• Funds are available for recommendation by the commission to address unexpected and urgent needs until they are spent within the appropriation period.
• If the funds are not spent for an unexpected and urgent need before the start of the legislative session prior to the appropriation expiration, the commission may recommend the funds be added to an existing Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund project that has a critical need for additional funding to achieve the goals of the project.

Subscribe to our email list to have updates about the emerging issues account delivered to your inbox.