Purpose

This bill would provide state funding to support a new facility at YMCA Camp Northern Lights. The goal is to enhance offerings for campers and families and help grow a sense of community in northern Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• A one-time appropriation of $3,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund.
• The money goes to the commissioner of employment and economic development (DEED) as a grant to the YMCA of the North.
• The funds are to be used to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a new facility on the YMCA Camp Northern Lights campus in St. Louis County.

Administration and Location

• The project is administered under the general framework for capital investment.
• The facility will be located on the campus of YMCA Camp Northern Lights in St. Louis County.

Availability and Oversight

• The appropriation remains available until the project is completed or abandoned.
• The project status follows Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 (a provision that governs project completion or abandonment).

Significance and Expected Outcomes

• Increases capacity and programming for campers and families at YMCA Camp Northern Lights.
• Aims to build community and strengthen outdoor programming in northern woods.

Significance of Changes to Law

• This bill adds a new capital investment funding item (an appropriation) and does not alter existing statutory requirements beyond establishing the grant for this project.

Key Parties Involved

• General fund source
• Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
• YMCA of the North
• YMCA Camp Northern Lights, located in St. Louis County

Relevant Terms - appropriation, general fund, grant, commissioner of employment and economic development (DEED), YMCA of the North, YMCA Camp Northern Lights, St. Louis County, predesign, design, construct, furnish, equip, facility, campus, campers, families, community, northern woods, capital investment, project completion, abandonment, Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642