SF4239

Purpose

This bill proposes a one-time investment to support the construction and development of the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame. The goal is to create a new facility in Inver Grove Heights that will serve as a museum and multi-use venue to celebrate Minnesota hockey.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: The bill would provide $20,000,000 from Minnesota’s general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to grant to the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• Use of funds: The grant is for constructing, furnishing, and equipping a facility to be known as the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame in Inver Grove Heights. The facility would include a museum, an ice rink, a performance hall, an event space, and other amenities.
• One-time funding: The appropriation is a one-time grant and would remain available until the project is completed or abandoned, following state law (Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642).
• Bond authority: The bill notes authorization for the sale and issuance of state bonds as part of capital investment.

Funding and Financial Details

• Source: General Fund.
• Recipient: Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame Inc. (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit).
• Timing: Fiscal year 2027.
• Conditions: Funding is tied to construction and setup of the facility and must comply with applicable state procurement and project completion rules.

Location and Scope

• Location: Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
• Facility components: Museum, ice rink, performance hall, event space, and other related amenities.

Governance and Oversight

• Administering agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) would administer the grant.
• Legal framework: The project and funding are subject to existing state statutes, including 16A.642, governing onetime appropriations and project completion or abandonment.

Significance and Impact

• Economic and cultural impact: A new hockey-focused facility could serve as a regional hub for hockey history, events, and community activities, potentially boosting tourism and local engagement in Inver Grove Heights.
• Fiscal note: The funding is a one-time investment, with no ongoing annual appropriation beyond the 2027 grant, and is contingent on project progress and compliance with statutory requirements.

Relevant Terms - Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame - Inver Grove Heights - general fund - Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - grant - 501(c)(3) - facility - museum - ice rink - performance hall - event space - onetime appropriation - Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 - sale and issuance of state bonds - capital investment