MN HF4436

Appropriates $15,800,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 to the commissioner of commerce for a grant to Rochester for a municipal district heating and cooling energy distribution system.

The system will connect the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester City Hall, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Civic Theater, and Rochester Public Library, with capacity for future public and private developments.

Funds may be used for predesign, design, engineering, construction, equipping, and capital improvements related to renewable energy sources including solar thermal, geothermal, solar panels, and building control replacements.

Pre-enactment expenditures by the city for predesign, design, and engineering are credited as nonstate contributions to the project.

Appropriation is available only when the commissioner of management and budget determines sufficient nonstate resources are committed to complete the project; this is a one-time appropriation available until project completion or abandonment.