MN HF862

Appropriates $1,400,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $1,400,000 in fiscal year 2015 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the Commissioner of Agriculture for grants to county agricultural societies.

Distributes $700,000 each year in equal amounts to all state county fairs to enhance arts access, education, and preservation of Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.

Dedicates $700,000 each year for a competitive grants program awarding funds to county fairs for development or enhancement of facilities and programs related to arts, agricultural education, historical, and cultural heritage.

Eligible grant projects include agricultural education centers, arts buildings, and performance stages.

Grants are in addition to existing aid to county agricultural societies under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, and constitute a onetime appropriation.