Minnesota Senate Bill SF3986

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24
• Refer: 3/18/24

Caption

Certain state-owned land in the Cloquet Forestry Center transferred to the University of Minnesota and defeasance of outstanding debt on certain state bond financed property appropriation

Impact

This bill significantly alters the state’s management of publicly owned land by facilitating the transfer of property to an educational institution, which is expected to enhance opportunities for research and educational programs related to forestry. Additionally, it incorporates an appropriation from the general fund for the fiscal year 2025 aimed at prepaying and defeasing outstanding state bonds associated with improvements at the Cloquet Forestry Center. This action is landscaped within the context of previously established statutes, ensuring that future state obligations related to the property are eliminated.

Summary

Bill SF3986 proposes the transfer of certain state-owned land within the Cloquet Forestry Center to the University of Minnesota. It dictates that the commissioner of administration must convey this land at no cost to the University’s Board of Regents, emphasizing the need for a formal conveyance approved by the attorney general. The proposal pertains to several specific parcels of land located in Carlton County, detailing the exact sections and townships involved in the transfer.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill particularly concerning the financial implications of the appropriation for bond defeasance. Stakeholders could express concerns about the allocation of funds from the general fund, questioning whether this is the best use of taxpayer money. Furthermore, the land transfer could invoke discussions regarding public access and the utilization of the land, especially if there are community interests in how this property is managed post-transfer.