The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) was established following voter approval in 1988 by 77% of Minnesota voters. The money in the Trust Fund is generated by the Minnesota State Lottery. The purpose of these funds is to provide a long-term, consistent and stable source of funding for purposes of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Since 1991 the ENRFT has provided approximately $1.1 billion to over 1700 projects around the state. April 4, 2024, the Minnesota Legislature approved 101 projects for funding from the ENRTF as recommended by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). On April 15 2024 the 101 appropriations were signed into law by the Governor as M.L.2024 Chapter 83 with $79,644,000 from the ENRTF.
Voters will have the following constitutional amendment ballot instructions and question on their ballot on November 5, 2024:
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal
Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?
To vote for a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “Yes” on that question. To vote against a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “No” on that question.
Note: Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment will have the same effect as voting no on the amendment. However, this is not true for other ballot questions, such as the Northfield High School funding or Rice County sales tax questions.
