ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A council that recommends how legislators should spend a portion of certain tax proceeds has approved $109 million in funding for a number of projects.

Reports say the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council reached its decision Thursday. Recommendations included helping protect prairies, assisting a Chippewa tribe in buying land and paying for a number of restoration projects.

So far lawmakers seem inclined to accept the recommendations, even though the council members' debate was occasionally contentious.
 
 
Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, says he plans to file a bill approving the plan before the session begins Feb. 25. Such a move is typically reserved for noncontroversial items.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, chaired last year's House Legacy Committee last year. She says the plan generally looks good.

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