MN SF4254

Grant agreements for state-funded capital projects must withhold funds for phases beyond final design until the grantee receives approval from the University of Minnesota's Center for Sustainable Building Research confirming compliance with sustainable building design guidelines.

Capital project construction cost exemption thresholds are $1,500,000 for local government projects and $750,000 for other capital projects, subject to adjustment based on inflation every five years beginning in 2025.

Projects exempt from planning requirements include demolition, hazardous material remediation, utility infrastructure, parking facilities, transit stations, rail projects, and various other infrastructure types.

State funds for capital projects below the exemption thresholds must still hire a qualified cost-estimating professional as part of the project planning process.

An unspecified appropriation from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 is allocated to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for outreach and education efforts by the Center for Sustainable Building Research.