SF139

Purpose

To allocate state funding and authority to create a regional public safety facility in Rice Lake. The bill would provide a monetary grant to support the facility’s development and operation, with the goal of improving regional training, emergency operations, and community safety.

Appropriation and Use

• An appropriation of 8,500,000 from the bond proceeds fund is designated for the city of Rice Lake.
• The money is to be used as a grant by the commissioner of public safety to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a regional public safety facility.
• The facility is intended to serve as a training site for law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services; support emergency operations; provide emergency shelter; and meet other regional community needs.

Facility Features and Functions

• The facility will function as a regional hub for public safety training and coordination.
• It will support multiple agencies (law enforcement, fire, and EMS) and enhance emergency response capabilities.

Financing and Legal Authority

• The funding will come from the bond proceeds fund, with the state selling and issuing bonds up to 8,500,000 to finance the appropriation.
• Bond issuance must follow Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution article XI sections 4 to 7.

Exemptions and Compliance

• The appropriation is exempt from certain requirements under Minnesota Statutes section 16A.86 subdivision 4.
• The arrangement relies on the standard bond sale process outlined in state law and constitution.

Summary of Significance

• Creates a new capital investment project specifically for a Rice Lake regional public safety facility.
• Establishes a dedicated funding mechanism (bond proceeds) and a formal process to finance the project.
• Emphasizes regional cooperation among law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies, along with emergency shelter and community needs.

Relevant Terms - bond proceeds fund - appropriation - grant to the city of Rice Lake - predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip - regional public safety facility - training facility - law enforcement - fire departments - emergency medical services (EMS) - emergency operations - emergency shelter - regional community needs - bond sale / sale and issue bonds - 8,500,000 (eight million five hundred thousand) - Minnesota Statutes section 16A.86 subdivision 4 - Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution article XI sections 4 to 7