Purpose

The bill would provide a statewide capital investment appropriation of $6,000,000 to support capital improvements at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth. The funds would be used to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip projects of a capital nature, including major work to preserve or replace mechanical and electrical systems, utility infrastructure, and other site renovations that help renew exhibits and support ongoing zoo operations. The appropriation is exempt from a specific Minnesota statute (16A.86, subd. 4).

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: $6,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund to the city of Duluth for Lake Superior Zoo capital improvements (predesign through outfitting).
• Eligible work: Projects to preserve or replace mechanical systems, electrical systems, utility infrastructure, and site renovations that support exhibit renewal and ongoing operations.
• Exemption: The appropriation is exempt from certain requirements under Minnesota Statutes section 16A.86, subdivision 4.
• Bond funding: The money will be raised by selling state bonds up to $6,000,000.
• Administration and legal basis: Bond sale and terms will follow Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution (Article XI, sections 4–7). The grant would be administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Financial and Legal Implications

• Financing method: State bonds up to $6,000,000 will fund the appropriation.
• Government roles:
  • Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development administers the grant to the City of Duluth.
  • Commissioner of Management and Budget handles the bond sale.
• Legal basis: Uses standard bond statutes and constitutional authority; includes an exemption from a specific statutory requirement (16A.86, subd. 4) for this appropriation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new capital investment appropriation designated for the Lake Superior Zoo and authorizes the issuance of state bonds to fund it.
• Provides an exemption from 16A.86, subd. 4 for this appropriation, altering how this specific funding is subject to usual statutory requirements.

Relevant Terms

• appropriation
• bond proceeds fund
• Lake Superior Zoo
• Duluth
• predesign
• design
• construct
• furnish
• equip
• capital improvements
• mechanical systems
• electrical systems
• utility infrastructure
• site renovations
• exhibit renewal
• ongoing operations
• exemption
• Minnesota Statutes 16A.86 (subd. 4)
• bond sale
• commissioner of management and budget
• commissioner of employment and economic development
• 16A.631 to 16A.675
• Minnesota Constitution Article XI (Sections 4–7)