Proposal would offer Mississippi River communities erosion-control loans

The Department of Natural Resources would run a revolving loan program. Loans would be for municipalities and owners of homes on the Mississippi River shore where erosion threatens the structural integrity of municipal buildings or homes. The department would set eligibility rules, including income limits. The bill analysis says the bill would provide $2 million for the program. The proposed act would take effect the day after publication, or the second day after publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.

The Department of Natural Resources could use emergency rules to administer the loan program before permanent rules take effect. The rules would cover administration of the Mississippi River erosion control loan program. The department would not have to show that emergency rules are needed to protect public peace, health, safety, or welfare, or provide a finding of emergency. An emergency rule would end when permanent rules take effect, it is repealed, or its time limit is reached, whichever comes first. Emergency rules could apply before permanent rules take effect and would expire on the first day of the 25th month after taking effect, unless they end sooner.