Red River Basin; flood hazard mitigation projects funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

Minnesota House Bill 4600 (HF4600) aims to provide funding for flood hazard mitigation projects in the Red River Basin. The bill proposes issuing bonds to allocate $35 million to the Department of Natural Resources for grants supporting publicly owned capital improvements designed to prevent or reduce flood damage and enhance natural resources. Notably, for projects consistent with the 1998 mediation agreement and approved by the Red River flood damage reduction work group, grants may cover up to 75% of the project cost, exceeding the standard grant share under current law. Specific projects identified include the Mustinka River Rehabilitation Redpath Impoundment Project, the Klondike Clean Water Retention Project, and the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project. The bill also outlines criteria for local matching funds and specifies that if a project's cost exceeds a certain threshold, the appropriation will cover the local share. The commissioner of management and budget is tasked with issuing bonds up to $35 million as per applicable statutes and the state constitution. ([track.mn](https://track.mn/legislative_instruments/0942025-hf4600?utm_source=openai))

MN HF4600 is a house bill in the Minnesota 94th Legislature 2025-2026, sponsored by Steve Gander (R), currently “Introduced” since March 23, 2026.

We track 10,590 Minnesota bills this session, 25 of them sponsored by Steve Gander.

While there is no direct media coverage of HF4600, the bill's focus on funding flood hazard mitigation projects in the Red River Basin aligns with ongoing efforts in the region. For instance, the Mustinka River Redpath Impoundment Project, a significant flood mitigation initiative, secured funding from various sources, including the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Minnesota Flood Hazard Mitigation program. This project aims to mitigate flooding, protect infrastructure, and restore the river's historic alignment. ([mooreengineeringinc.com](https://www.mooreengineeringinc.com/projects/mustinka-river-redpath-impoundment-project/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the completion of phase one of a flood prevention project in Newfolden, Minnesota, demonstrates the community's commitment to flood mitigation. The project, which began in 2015, focuses on protecting homes, outbuildings, and equipment from flooding. ([rrfn.com](https://www.rrfn.com/2023/06/19/flood-reduction-project-phase-one-complete/?utm_source=openai)) These initiatives suggest a positive reception to state-supported flood mitigation efforts in the region.

There is no direct media coverage of HF4600, and no significant negative reactions have been reported regarding the bill. However, the bill's introduction in March 2026, followed by its referral to the Capital Investment Committee, indicates that it did not progress further in the legislative process. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/MN/text/HF4600/2025?utm_source=openai)) This lack of advancement may reflect challenges in garnering sufficient support or addressing concerns related to the bill's provisions.