Outdoor funds OK'd

Senators gave initial approval to a nearly $70 million plan to fund conservation and habitat preservation projects.

The spending is divided among prairies ($14.2 million), forest acquisition ($36 million), wetlands ($20.5 million) and fish, game and wildlife habitat ($14 million).

The projects would be paid for with revenue from a statewide sales tax increase that voters approved in the November election.

The funding proposal includes projects located in 77 counties.

Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, who served on the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council, said the advisory panel made its spending recommendations after it reviewed 99 proposals totaling around $240 million.

Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, said the selected projects were supported by nearly all advisory panel members.

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