HF3238

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funding for the development of the WonderTrek Children's Museum in Baxter, Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes appropriating $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund.
• The funding is intended for the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to grant to WonderTrek Children's Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• The funds will be used to design, construct, equip, and furnish the first phase of the museum's nine-acre campus.
• The project includes site improvements and infrastructure, landscaping, a 2,400-square-foot all-weather indoor-outdoor classroom, nature play exhibits covering four acres, and spaces for outdoor recreation and education activities.

Significant Changes

• This bill involves a one-time appropriation of funds and specifies that the funding will remain available until the project is completed or abandoned, as per Minnesota law.

Relevant Terms

capital investment, general fund, nonprofit organization, museum, construction, fiscal year 2026, WonderTrek, Baxter, children’s education, infrastructure, outdoor classroom, nature play exhibits, landscaping, recreation activities.