MN SF2245

Mille Lacs County must develop and operate an economic relief program providing grants (up to $100,000 per business annually), interest-free loans, and tourism promotion to businesses in Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs Counties adversely affected by the August 3, 2015 early closure of the walleye fishing season on Mille Lacs Lake.

Eligible businesses must be located in the three specified counties, document at least a 5% reduction in gross receipts compared to 2014, and operate in specified industries including lodging, restaurants, bars, recreational facilities, retail, and museums.

Appropriates $5,200,000 in fiscal year 2017, $6,000,000 in fiscal year 2018, and $6,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development for grants to Mille Lacs County for the relief program.

Authorizes county boards of Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs Counties to grant property tax abatements for taxes payable in 2016, 2017, and 2018 on certain property classifications, with abatement amounts not exceeding the percentage reduction in gross receipts compared to 2014.

Appropriates $12,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2017-2019 transferred from in-lieu sales tax revenue to the general fund and $6,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2017-2019 for abatement aid reimbursements to local governments and school districts.

Appropriates $800,000 in fiscal year 2017 to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant to the city of Isle for demolition and construction of the Malone Island Bridge replacement, including water and sewer line replacement.