SF135

Purpose

• The bill would authorize a state-funded project to replace the Kawishiwi Bridge in Lake County, near Spruce Road.
• It allocates funds for site preparation, including demolition, as well as design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the new bridge.
• Lake County may enter into a lease or management agreement to handle maintenance and operation of the bridge.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: $1,000,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development to provide a grant to Lake County for the project.
• Project scope: Replacement of the Kawishiwi Bridge near Spruce Road, including site work and the full process of building a new bridge.
• Maintenance option: The county may enter into a lease or management agreement for maintenance and operation of the bridge under a specified state law provision (lease/management authority).

Funding and Bonding

• Bonding authorization: The commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue state bonds up to $1,000,000 to fund this appropriation.
• Funding source: Bond proceeds fund.
• Legal framework: Bond issuance must follow specific state statutes (16A631 to 16A675) and the Minnesota Constitution (Article XI, sections 4 to 7).

Oversight and Administration

• Grant administration: The funding is provided through the commissioner of employment and economic development for Lake County.
• Maintenance arrangement: If chosen, the maintenance and operation of the bridge would be governed by a lease or management agreement under existing state law.

Significance

• This is a targeted capital investment to replace an infrastructure asset (the Kawishiwi Bridge) in Lake County, financed with state bonds, and includes a plan for long-term maintenance arrangements.

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Relevant Terms - Kawishiwi Bridge - Lake County - Spruce Road - bond proceeds fund - appropriation - grant - site preparation - demolition - design - construction - furnishing - equipping - replacement - lease or management agreement - maintenance and operation - commissioner of employment and economic development - commissioner of management and budget - bonds - up to $1,000,000 - Minnesota Statutes 16A631-16A675 - Minnesota Statutes 111.16A695 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4-7