(St. Paul, Mn.) — Minnesota is cutting its aquatic invasive species prevention aid by 50-percent in 2027.
The program has provided counties with about 10-million dollars a year since 2014 to help pay for boat inspections, education, and more at public water accesses.
Local officials say the funding has helped slow down new infestations over the past decade, and they worry the budget cuts could reverse that progress.
The cuts are scheduled to begin July 1st, 2027, after lawmakers delayed the reduction for two years.
Counties and lake groups say they may have to scale back prevention efforts if the aid is reduced.
