SF312

Purpose

• The bill relates to capital investment and would appropriate funds to support the design, construction, and equipping of a new ice arena project.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: In fiscal year 2026, the general fund would provide 5,000,000 to the commissioner of employment and economic development.
• Recipient: The grant would go to the North Branch Area Hockey Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• Project: Funds are for the design, construction, and equipping of the Stacy Ice Arena in Chisago County.
• Administration: The appropriation is administered as a grant by the commissioner of employment and economic development.
• Availability: This is a one-time appropriation and remains available until the project is completed or abandoned, subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Funding Details and Timing

• Source: General fund.
• Fiscal year: 2026.
• Completion/abandonment: Availability tied to completion or abandonment of the project per statute 16A.642.

Significance and Legal/Program Context

• This bill creates a targeted capital investment funding instrument for a specific local ice arena project.
• It uses a one-time public funding mechanism and does not establish ongoing appropriations.
• The project oversight and timing are guided by Minnesota law (16A.642) regarding project completion or abandonment.

Potential Implications

• Supports local infrastructure for community use and youth hockey through a nonprofit partner.
• Involves public funding to a private nonprofit entity for a capital project, with selective availability and oversight provisions.

Relevant Terms

• capital investment; appropriation; general fund; commissioner of employment and economic development; grant; North Branch Area Hockey Association; 501(c)(3) nonprofit; Stacy Ice Arena; Chisago County; design; construction; equipping; one-time appropriation; fiscal year 2026; Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642; completed; abandoned.