SF1718

Purpose

• To provide funding to renovate and preserve the historic Hibbing High School Auditorium. The goal is to support repairs and improvements that maintain the building’s historic character and functionality.

Main provisions

• Financial appropriation: 785,000 in fiscal year 2026 and 785,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Source of funds: from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Recipient flow: money goes to the Minnesota Historical Society, which will grant funds to Hibbing School District No. 701 (the Hibbing School District).
• Use of funds: to preserve and renovate the historic Hibbing High School Auditorium, including:
  • Repairs to the Barton pipe organ
  • Stage and stage curtain
  • Projector booth
  • Electrical systems
  • Dressing rooms
  • Sprinkler system
  • Other related repairs and renovations to the auditorium

Significant changes to existing law

• The bill does not modify existing law; it creates a new appropriation authority. In short, it directs funds from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support renovation work, rather than changing statutory rules.

Financial and program impact

• Total new funding: $1,570,000 over two years ($785,000 in each of FY 2026 and FY 2027).
• The funding is targeted for preservation and renovation of a historic public site (the Hibbing High School Auditorium) via a grant to the local school district.

Implementation and oversight

• The Minnesota Historical Society acts as the intermediary to provide the grant to the Hibbing School District No. 701.
• The plan specifies concrete renovation items, ensuring funds are used for listed improvements and related work.

Relevant Terms - Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund - Minnesota Historical Society - Hibbing High School Auditorium - Hibbing School District No. 701 - Barton pipe organ - stage curtain - projector booth - electrical - dressing rooms - sprinkler system - grant - renovation - preservation - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027