HF4991

Purpose

This bill would finance capital improvements for the Benton Stearns Education District by providing a grant to modernize and upgrade three existing facilities in that district. The goal is to design, renovate, equip, and furnish the buildings to meet current standards and needs, including safety and accessibility improvements.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation of money: $11,500,000 is designated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of education. The money is to be granted to the Benton Stearns Education District No. 6383 to design, renovate, equip, and furnish three existing educational facilities located within District No. 6383.
• Specific improvements funded: Renovations to meet fire codes, improvements to accessibility for people with disabilities, upgrades to HVAC and mechanical systems, improvements to exterior doors and windows, and the renovation of educational and office spaces to include furnishings and equipment.
• Bond financing: To pay for the appropriation, the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue state bonds up to $11,500,000. The sale will follow the terms and effects set out in Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675) and in the Minnesota Constitution (Article XI, sections 4 to 7).

Funding and Financial Impact

• The bill proposes funding through state bonds (bond proceeds fund). The full amount ($11.5 million) would be borrowed and repaid under state bond laws and constitutional provisions.
• The financing mechanism is a standard capital investment approach: authorize debt to fund long-term facility improvements for a public education district.

Significance and Context

• Purpose aligns with upgrading public education facilities to meet safety, accessibility, and modernization needs.
• The change is limited to funding and bond authorization for these specific renovations; it does not create new programs or alter ongoing education policy beyond this capital investment.
• Projects target three existing buildings within District No. 6383, emphasizing safety (fire codes), accessibility, climate control, and improved learning/working spaces.

Notes on Terms from the Bill

• Bond proceeds fund
• Grant
• Design, renovate, equip, furnish
• Three existing educational facilities
• District No. 6383
• Fire codes
• Accessibility
• HVAC and mechanical systems
• Exterior doors and windows
• Educational and office spaces
• Furnishings and equipment
• Bond sale / bonds
• Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675
• Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4 to 7

Relevant Terms

• appropriation
• grant
• Benton Stearns Education District
• District No. 6383
• three facilities
• design renovate equip furnish
• fire codes
• accessibility
• HVAC
• exterior doors and windows
• furnishings
• equipment
• bond proceeds fund
• bond sale
• Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675
• Minnesota Constitution Article XI