HF4859

Purpose

To provide funding for upgrading and replacing burn training structures and related systems at the SCALE regional public safety training facility in Jordan, Minnesota. The bill aims to modernize facilities used for fire training by authorizing state bonds and directing a grant for construction and equipment.

Key Provisions

• Appropriation of 1,788,000 from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of public safety. The money is for a grant to the SCALE Public Safety Training Facility Joint Powers Board (SCALE JPB) to replace aging and failing burn structures and to upgrade related technical and operational systems at the facility in Jordan.
• Specific upgrades include replacing the Class A burn structure with a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant fire training tower and upgrading the technical and operational systems of the Class B burn structure.
• Bond proceeds: The commissioner of management and budget is directed to sell and issue state bonds up to 1,788,000 to fund this appropriation, following Minnesota statutes on bonding and the state constitution.

Financial Details

• Amount: 1,788,000
• Source: Bond proceeds fund
• Use: Grant to SCALE Public Safety Training Facility Joint Powers Board for construction and equipment of burn structure replacements and system upgrades
• Bonding process: Issuance of bonds up to the appropriation amount under applicable Minnesota law

Entities Involved

• Commissioner of Public Safety (receiving the grant and overseeing project)
• SCALE Public Safety Training Facility Joint Powers Board (recipient of the grant)
• Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE), the organization operating the SCALE facility
• Commissioner of Management and Budget (responsible for issuing bonds)

Significance and Impact

• Modernizes fire training facilities by replacing an aging Class A burn structure with an NFPA-compliant tower and upgrading Class B burn structure systems.
• Uses state bonding authority to fund capital improvements at a regional public safety training facility, potentially improving training safety and effectiveness for firefighters and other public safety personnel.
• No broad changes to existing law; the bill authorizes a targeted appropriation and bond issuance to support the specified upgrades.

Relevant Context (for understanding implications)

• Location: Jordan, Minnesota (Scott County)
• Project governance: SCALE Public Safety Training Facility Joint Powers Board
• Standards referenced: NFPA (for the new fire training tower)

Relevant Terms - bond proceeds fund - appropriation - grant - Commissioner of Public Safety - SCALE Public Safety Training Facility Joint Powers Board - Class A burn structure - Class B burn structure - NFPA compliant fire training tower - technical and operational systems - Jordan, Minnesota - Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency - Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI - bond sale - 1,788,000