MNN - Mother Nature Network

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has recommended that 48 projects receive funding from the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. "In response to the LCCMR's 2010 proposal process, proposals requesting a total of approximately $163.8 million were received. Combined requests amounted to more than $6 requested for every $1 available, making for a very competitive process. Of the original 240 proposals received, 85 were requested to give presentations and answer questions before the LCCMR. From this reduced pool, 48 projects received a recommendation for some portion of the $26 million available."

 

According to its website, the LCCMR is "made up of 17 members: 5 Senators, 5 Representatives, 5 citizens appointed by the governor, 1 citizen appointed by the Senate, and 1 citizen appointed by the House."

 

Contributions to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund come from a variety of sources to include private donations, investment income from stocks and bonds and the Minnesota State Lottery. "Forty percent of the net proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery, or approximately seven cents of every dollar spent on playing the lottery, are contributed to the Trust Fund each year."

 

As stated firsthand, the function of the LCCMR (formerly LCMR) is to make funding recommendations to the legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. These projects help maintain and enhance Minnesota 's environment and natural resources.