Land and Legacy Amendment

Central Minnesota is receiving more than $188,000 in funding to improve two area historical societies and a Sauk Centre based foundation.

It's been three years since Minnesota voters authorized a sales tax increase to raise money for conservation, arts and parks, but the state is unable yet to provide a public comprehensive listing of the funded projects and their outcomes.

Regional parks in greater Minnesota get a much bigger share of the Land and Legacy Amendment money over the next two years. The bill that allocates the money was passed by the State Legislature this week during the special session. Regional parks in outstate Minnesota will have about double the amount of money available, compared to the previous two years.

As the State Legislature and the Governor continue to spar over high profile issues like the budget, gay marriage, and a Vikings stadium -- there's also bills that have quietly passed that tinker with the State Land and Legacy Amendment. The Land and Legacy Amendment brings in hundreds of millions of dollars, and state lawmakers have been voting on conflicting bills on where that money should go.

The Mississippi Bluffs Regional Park is getting some upgrades thanks to the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The city of St. Cloud was awarded a $427,000 grant to use for improvements.

The Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment has provided much-needed funding for historical preservation projects in Minnesota. Minnesota Historical Society spokesman David Grabitske says here in the St. Cloud area cities and organizations have benefited from the legacy amendment.

The College of St. Benedict and St. Cloud State University are both receiving grant money from the Minnesota Historical Society. The grant money comes from the Land and Legacy Amendment.