Purpose

• This bill would provide a funding grant to support the repair and improvements of the historic Pickwick Mill Dam in Winona County. The money is a one-time appropriation from the state general fund.

Main Provisions

• Amount and timing: $400,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Source: General Fund.
• Eligibility/Recipient: The Commissioner of Natural Resources would grant the funds to Pickwick Mill Inc.
• Use of funds: For improvements and repairs to the Pickwick Mill Dam in Winona County.
• Availability: It is a one-time appropriation and remains available until the project is completed or abandoned, subject to Minnesota statutes.

How it interacts with existing law

• This bill creates a targeted capital investment grant for a specific dam project rather than increasing ongoing state spending.
• It references and complies with Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 about how the appropriation can be used or carried out.

Significance

• Focuses public funding on restoring a historic infrastructure asset (Pickwick Mill Dam) in Winona County.
• Uses the Department of Natural Resources as the administering agency and requires a grant to a private or nonprofit entity (Pickwick Mill Inc.) to carry out the work.

Potential Implications

• Once funded, the project completion or abandonment will determine when the funds are exhausted.
• The location and ownership/operational structure of the Pickwick Mill Dam may influence project oversight and maintenance after repairs.

Implementation Notes

• The bill ensures the project is tied to a defined deadline by the completion/abandonment clause and to the statutory framework (16A.642) for appropriations.

Relevant Terms - Pickwick Mill Dam - Winona County - Pickwick Mill Inc. - General Fund - Commissioner of Natural Resources - Grant - Improvements and repairs - One-time appropriation - Available until completed or abandoned - Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 - Capital investment appropriation