Purpose

Provide a one-time capital investment appropriation from the General Fund in fiscal year 2026 to support a grant for the Second Harvest Northland Food Bank. The goal is to construct and renovate an expansion of its facility in the city of Duluth to serve as a food bank, including upgrading the cold storage capacity with a new cooler and freezer system.

Main Provisions

• Source and recipients: An appropriation from the General Fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development to grant funds to Second Harvest Northland Food Bank.
• Project scope: Build and renovate an expansion of the Duluth facility to operate as a food bank; purchase and install a new cooler and freezer system.
• Administration: The grant is administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development.
• Project readiness condition: The appropriation becomes available only after the commissioner of management and budget determines that nonstate funds have been committed to complete the project.
• One-time status and duration: This is a one-time appropriation, available until the project is completed or abandoned, consistent with Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Funding and Conditions

• Timing: Fiscal year 2026.
• Availability trigger: Release of funds depends on securing nonstate funds for the project.
• Legal framework: Subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Significance and Impact

• Enhances food security in Duluth by expanding the food bank’s capacity.
• Improves cold storage capabilities through a new cooler and freezer system, supporting better storage and distribution of food.

Relationship to Existing Law

• This is a new, targeted appropriation for a specific project; no broad statutory changes are described.
• The appropriation is governed by the existing one-time appropriation framework and the requirement to secure nonstate funds, aligned with Statutes §16A.642.

Potential Implications

• Local economic and community impact through expanded food distribution capacity.
• Increased ability to store and distribute food safely with upgraded refrigeration infrastructure.

Relevant Terms - capital investment - appropriation - General Fund - commissioner of employment and economic development - grant - Second Harvest Northland Food Bank - Duluth - facility expansion - construction and renovation - cooler and freezer system - nonstate funds - Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 - one-time appropriation - project completed or abandoned