Purpose

This bill would authorize the state to borrow money to fund capital improvements at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) and provide a grant to the DECC Authority to plan, design, construct, renovate, furnish, and equip improvements at the DECC facility.

Key Provisions

• Appropriation: $7,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund is appropriated to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to the DECC Authority.
• Eligible activities: predesign, design, construction, renovation, furnishing, and equipping of capital improvements at the DECC facility.
• Specific improvements included:
  • Elevator and escalator upgrades
  • Energy efficiency upgrades, including Victaulic fitting replacements
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance improvements
  • Seat replacement
  • Flooring upgrades in Symphony Hall
  • Sound wall and room divider replacements in Pioneer Hall and Paulucci Hall
  • Fire door replacements in Fitzgerald Hall
  • Emergency door replacements in Pioneer Hall and Amsoil Arena
  • Parking lot repairs
• Exemption: The appropriation is exempt from Minnesota Statutes section 16A.86 subdivision 4.
• Bonding and authorized sale: The money appropriated may be borrowed through the sale and issuance of state bonds up to $7,000,000, conducted by the commissioner of management and budget, under Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and under Minnesota Constitution Article XI sections 4 to 7.

Funding and Fiscal Details

• Source of funds: bond proceeds fund
• Total amount: 7,000,000
• Recipient: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority (as grant recipient)
• Legal framework for bonds: governed by state bonding statutes and the state constitution; includes an exemption from a specific statutory requirement (16A.86, subd. 4)

Implementation/Administration

• DECC Authority is responsible for carrying out the described activities, including predesign, design, construction, renovation, furnishing, and equipping of the improvements.

Significance

• Aims to modernize and improve DECC facilities with upgrades for accessibility, safety, efficiency, and overall functionality (e.g., ADA compliance, energy efficiency, seating, and door systems).

Implementation Scope (Facilities Covered)

• DECC campus components mentioned: Symphony Hall, Pioneer Hall, Paulucci Hall, Fitzgerald Hall, Amsoil Arena.

Relevant Terms - Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) - DECC Authority - capital improvements / capital investments - predesign / design / construct / renovate / furnish / equip - elevator upgrades / escalator upgrades - energy efficiency upgrades / Victaulic fittings - ADA compliance / Americans with Disabilities Act - seating replacement / flooring upgrades - Symphony Hall / Pioneer Hall / Paulucci Hall / Fitzgerald Hall - Amsoil Arena - fire doors / emergency doors - parking lot repairs - bond proceeds fund - bonds / state bonds up to $7,000,000 - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI (sections 4 to 7) - exemption from 16A.86 subdivision 4