SF3765

Purpose

• To provide state funding for improvements to Ely's water infrastructure through a grant to the city, administered by the Public Facilities Authority.
• The funding is part of a capital investment effort using bonds.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Appropriation:
  • An amount of 3,919,000 dollars from the bond proceeds fund is appropriated to the Public Facilities Authority.
  • The Authority will grant the funds to the city of Ely to design, construct, and equip upgrades and replacements to Ely’s water system.
  • Specific projects include:
  • Replacing raw water intake and pump house infrastructure on Burntside Lake.
  • Rehabilitation and replacement of citywide water mains.
  • Installing new pumps, automated controls, and remote monitoring systems.
  • Replacing deteriorated bridge crossings associated with the water system.
  • Major upgrades at the Ely water treatment plant, including roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and installation of solar energy infrastructure.
• Subdivision 2 – Bond sale:
  • The money for this appropriation will be funded by selling state bonds.
  • The state may issue bonds up to 3,919,000 dollars under applicable Minnesota statutes (16A.631 to 16A.675) and constitutional provisions (Article XI, sections 4 to 7).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new or expanded capital investment appropriation category by directing bond-funded support to Ely for water infrastructure improvements.
• Uses the Public Facilities Authority as the grant recipient and administrator for this project.
• Establishes bond issuance up to the specified amount to finance the grant, aligning with Minnesota bonding statutes and constitutional authority.

Effects and Context

• Aims to modernize and expand Ely’s water infrastructure to improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.
• Projects cover raw water intake, distribution mains, treatment plant upgrades, and energy-saving features (including solar), as well as aging bridge components tied to the water system.

Terminology and Concepts to Note

• Public Facilities Authority
• bond proceeds fund
• grant to the city of Ely
• water infrastructure improvements
• raw water intake
• pump house
• Burntside Lake
• water mains
• automated controls
• remote monitoring systems
• bridge crossings
• Ely water treatment plant
• roof replacement
• HVAC upgrades
• solar energy infrastructure
• bond sale / state bonds
• Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675
• Minnesota Constitution Article XI

Relevant Terms - Public Facilities Authority - bond proceeds fund - grant - Ely - water infrastructure - Burntside Lake - raw water intake - pump house - water mains - automated controls - remote monitoring - bridge crossings - Ely water treatment plant - roof replacement - HVAC upgrades - solar energy infrastructure - bond sale - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI