Bill > SF2203

This bill establishes the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program through the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents, designed to provide infrastructure support and technical assistance to small communities with populations under 15,000. The program will prioritize assistance for political subdivisions and Tribal governments that lack sufficient capacity to develop infrastructure projects or apply for state and federal grants. Funding of $2.5 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 will support project partnerships with various University of Minnesota entities like the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and the Center for Transportation Studies. The program's assistance will include helping communities analyze infrastructure projects, incorporate sustainability and climate change considerations, identify cross-sector investment opportunities, and conduct activities such as planning, scoping, and design. The Board of Regents must maintain a public website detailing the program's implementation, project summaries, financial information, and guidance for communities seeking partnership assistance. The goal is to help small communities more effectively develop and implement infrastructure projects by providing expert technical support and resources.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2203&ssn=0&y=2025