Purpose

This bill would provide funding from the state’s general fund to support a new Somali Museum of Minnesota facility in Minneapolis. Specifically, it would give a one-time grant to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new museum facility so the museum can preserve Somali cultural heritage, display Somali relics and artifacts, and offer educational programs.

Main Provisions

• Amount and timing: $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Source: General fund.
• Recipient: Somali Museum of Minnesota.
• Use of funds: To design, construct, furnish, and equip a new facility in Minneapolis.
• Activities funded: Preserve Somali cultural heritage, display relics and artifacts, and provide educational programs.
• Administration and conditions: The grant is administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development. It is a one-time appropriation and remains available until the project is completed or abandoned, subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Effects and Changes to Law

• Creates a new one-time capital investment appropriation specific to the Somali Museum of Minnesota.
• Does not enact broad changes to ongoing law; it provides a targeted grant of funds for a specific project.
• The appropriation is governed by the requirements of Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Significance and Impact

• Supports cultural preservation and education by enabling a new museum facility for Somali heritage.
• Enhances opportunities for displaying Somali relics and artifacts and for public education in Minneapolis.
• Provides a dedicated capital investment rather than operating or program funding.

Implementation Considerations

• The project is a capital project with no ongoing operating funding included in this bill.
• The funds are available until project completion or abandonment, with overall timing and milestones governed by state statute (16A.642).

Relevant Terms capital investment, appropriation, general fund, commissioner of employment and economic development, grant, Somali Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis, design, construct, furnish, equip, new facility, Somali cultural heritage, relics, artifacts, educational programs, one-time appropriation, project completed, project abandoned, Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642