Subdivision 1. Definition.
For purposes of this section, "shade tree" means a woody perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental purposes with minimal to residual timber value.
Subd. 2. Grants.
(a) The Metropolitan Council must establish a grant program to provide grants to cities, counties, townships, and implementing agencies for the following purposes:
(1) removing and planting shade trees on public land to provide environmental benefits;
(2) replacing trees lost to forest pests, disease, or storms; and
(3) establishing a more diverse community forest better able to withstand disease and forest pests.
(b) Any tree planted with money granted under this section must be a climate-adapted species to Minnesota.
Subd. 3. Priority.
Priority for grants awarded under this section must be given to:
(1) projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns; and
(2) projects located in an area identified using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool methodology provided in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's environmental justice screen technical documentation dated July 31, 2024.