1. Purpose

2. The bill aims to fund capital improvements at the Minnesota Zoo, specifically building a new animal hospital and enhancing asset preservation of infrastructure and exhibits. It uses state bonds to pay for these projects.

3. Main Provisions

4. Appropriation from bond proceeds fund: The state would allocate 21,475,000 to the Minnesota Zoological Board for capital improvements at the Minnesota Zoo.

5. New animal hospital: Of the total appropriation, 17,675,000 is designated to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new animal hospital building at the Minnesota Zoo.

6. Asset preservation and improvements: 3,800,000 is for capital asset preservation improvements and betterments to infrastructure and exhibits at the zoo. This includes the ability to replace buildings that are in poor condition or outdated, and to construct and renovate trails and roads on the zoo site, under applicable laws.

7. Notwithstanding provisions: The asset preservation funds may be used beyond their typical restrictions to support building replacements and trail/road work as described.

8. Bond authorization: The Commissioner of Management and Budget must sell and issue bonds up to 21,475,000 for these purposes, following the specified statutory requirements (16A.631 to 16A.675) and the Minnesota Constitution (Article XI, sections 4–7).

9. Financial Mechanism and Authority

10. Funds source: Bond proceeds fund.

11. Bond sale details: Up to 21,475,000 in bonds, issued and sold under Minnesota law and constitutional rules.

12. Oversight: Administration and spending guidance come from the Minnesota Zoological Board and the relevant state statutes governing bond issuance and project expenditures.

13. Notable Changes or Flexibility

14. Expands asset preservation authority to explicitly cover replacing poor-condition buildings and to fund trails and roads at the zoo site.

15. Provides a dedicated, multi-project funding package within a single appropriation: new animal hospital plus asset preservation and infrastructure improvements.

Relevant Terms - Minnesota Zoo - Minnesota Zoological Board - animal hospital - capital improvements - asset preservation - infrastructure - exhibits - trails - roads - bond proceeds fund - bond sale - 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI - design, construct, furnish, equip - not withstanding - capital asset preservation improvements - betterments