SF 2955 Summary

• Establishes a Mille Lacs Lake area economic relief grant program administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic development to assist businesses affected by the early closure of the 2015 walleye fishing season on August 3, 2015.

• Eligible businesses must be located in Aitkin, Crow Wing, or Mille Lacs County, document at least a 5 percent reduction in gross receipts during 2015-2017 compared to 2014, and operate in tourism-related industries including lodging, restaurants, bars, sporting goods, and retail.

• Reimburses eligible businesses for net real property taxes paid in calendar years 2015, 2016, and 2017, with reimbursement capped at the percentage reduction in gross receipts compared to 2014.

• Appropriates $6,000,000 total from the general fund ($2,000,000 each for fiscal years 2017, 2018, and 2019) for reimbursement grants, plus $100,000 total ($50,000 each for FY 2016 and 2017) to Explore Minnesota Tourism for Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council promotion.

• Appropriates $1,500,000 in bond proceeds for predesign, design, acquisition, and development of a trail connecting the Northwoods ATV trail system with the Mille Lacs-Malmo East Loop trail system, contingent on $150,000 in nonstate funding commitments.