Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to allocate funding for the development of a geothermal energy system at Macalester College located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This initiative seeks to improve energy sustainability and efficiency for the college's infrastructure.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $2,570,000 from the renewable development account. This funding is designated for fiscal year 2026.
• Grant Issuance: The allocated funds are to be given as a grant by the commissioner of commerce to Macalester College.
• System Construction: The funds are meant for the construction of an aquifer-based geothermal energy system. This system will initially provide heating and cooling for a new residence hall and welcome center.
• Future Expansion Potential: The geothermal energy system will be built with the capability to expand into a district heating and cooling plant for all campus buildings located north of Grand Avenue.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The appropriation is made notwithstanding existing statutory provisions, specifically Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779, which outlines the use of the renewable development account funds. This indicates a specific legislative decision to allocate these funds directly to this project outside of standard procedures.

Relevant Terms

geothermal energy, renewable development account, aquifer-based system, district heating and cooling, Macalester College, fiscal year 2026, commissioner of commerce, renewable energy, energy sustainability, infrastructure efficiency.