With the exception of one $200,000 appropriation, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed into law the Omnibus Cultural and Outdoor Resources Finance Bill, which implements the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by voters in November.

Pawlenty used his line-item veto to strike $200,000 for the Star Lake Board, according to his message [pdf] sent Friday to House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

"This board was created with a $100,000 appropriation as a pilot program last year," Pawlenty notes in the message. "At the time, supporters of the legislation indicated the need was for one-time money only. If additional funding is needed for this new board, it should come from sources other than constitutionally dedicated dollars. Such dollars should be used for projects, not process and bureaucracy."

According to the omnibus legislation, the Star Lake Board appropriation was for a "pilot program to focus on engaging citizen participation and fostering local partnerships by increasing citizen involvement in water quality enhancement by designating star lakes and rivers."

In July, a sales-tax increase will go into effect and it is expected to raise $481 million over the next two years for clean water, land, and arts and cultural heritage. The first bill appropriates nearly $400 million for various projects.

Previous MinnPost coverage:

Water, land and legacy funding gives Minnesota new bragging rights, by Casey Selix, May 20, 2009

As money flows from Legacy Amendment, Minnesotans will see new jobs, by Casey Selix, May 18, 2009