Purpose

The bill provides a one-time capital investment appropriation to fund a grant for a historical project in White Bear Lake. Specifically, it directs funding to repurpose the White Bear Armory into a history museum.

Main Provisions

• Amount and timing: $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026.
• Source: general fund.
• Recipient: White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• Use of funds: to renovate, construct, furnish, and equip the White Bear Armory in White Bear Lake.
• Project goal: repurpose the Armory space as a history museum.
• Availability: this is a one-time appropriation and remains available until the project is completed or abandoned.
• Oversight: the appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.
• Administration: the grant is administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Funding Details and Availability

• The entire $3,000,000 grant is provided from the general fund.
• The funds are available until the project is completed or abandoned, as allowed by the referenced statute.

Administration and Oversight

• The commissioner of employment and economic development is responsible for administering the grant to the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society.
• The use of funds must comply with Minnesota laws, including the provision noted (16A.642) regarding availability of appropriations.

Significance and Changes to Existing Law

• This bill creates a new, one-time capital investment appropriation for a nonprofit project rather than altering ongoing programs.
• It establishes funding for a specific restoration and conversion project (the White Bear Armory into a history museum) and sets the conditions for how long the funds are available and how they must be managed.

Potential Local Impacts (Summary)

• Cultural/educational benefit: a new history museum for residents and visitors.
• Economic considerations: potential local economic activity related to the restoration project and museum operations.

Relevant Terms - capital investment appropriation - general fund - grant - White Bear Lake Area Historical Society - White Bear Armory - White Bear Lake - renovation - construction - furnishing - equipping - history museum - one-time appropriation - available until completed or abandoned - Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 - commissioner of employment and economic development - fiscal year 2026 - $3,000,000