Bill > HF1360

This bill establishes the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program through the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents, designed to support infrastructure project development for small communities (defined as local governments with populations under 15,000 or collaborations between such governments). The program will prioritize assistance for political subdivisions and Tribal governments with limited capacity to develop infrastructure projects and apply for grants. Funding of $2.5 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 will be used to support project partnerships with various university entities like the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Center for Transportation Studies, and others. The program's activities will include helping small communities analyze infrastructure projects with a focus on sustainability, climate change adaptation, and identifying potential cross-sector efficiencies. Supported activities can range from initial planning and scoping to predesign and design stages. The Board of Regents will be required to maintain a public website with program information, including implementation reviews, project summaries, financial details, and guidance for communities seeking partnership assistance.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1360&ssn=0&y=2025