HF 1568

as introduced - 82nd Legislature (2001 - 2002) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

  1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to education; establishing the mighty books 
  1.3             grant program; appropriating money. 
  1.4   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.5      Section 1.  [MIGHTY BOOKS GRANTS.] 
  1.6      Subdivision 1.  [ESTABLISHMENT.] The commissioner of 
  1.7   children, families, and learning shall award grants for the 
  1.8   mighty books program to assist Minnesota communities in 
  1.9   developing and renovating libraries. 
  1.10     Subd. 2.  [GRANT APPLICATION; NEW LIBRARIES.] Grant 
  1.11  applicants must submit the following information to the 
  1.12  commissioner to receive a grant for a new library: 
  1.13     (1) documentation that the applicant has formed public and 
  1.14  private partnerships to develop and operate a new library, 
  1.15  including cities, counties, school districts, or private groups; 
  1.16     (2) documentation that a new library is needed by 
  1.17  demonstrating that an adequate participation base exists or can 
  1.18  be developed within a one-hour drive from the proposed new 
  1.19  library; and 
  1.20     (3) proof of viability of the new library, including: 
  1.21     (i) a site plan and preliminary architectural plans; 
  1.22     (ii) established owner and operating agreements; 
  1.23     (iii) proof that the land for the site is committed or 
  1.24  secured; and 
  2.1      (iv) an operating plan demonstrating financial viability. 
  2.2      Subd. 3.  [GRANT APPLICATION; EXISTING LIBRARIES.] Grant 
  2.3   applicants must submit the following information to the 
  2.4   commissioner to receive a grant for renovation of an existing 
  2.5   library: 
  2.6      (1) a resolution adopted by the local applicant; 
  2.7      (2) a site plan and outline of the improvements or 
  2.8   expansion; 
  2.9      (3) a budget of the renovation project; and 
  2.10     (4) a match of $1 of local money for $1 of grant money 
  2.11  received, including in-kind contributions. 
  2.12     Subd. 4.  [COMMISSIONER.] The commissioner shall establish 
  2.13  guidelines and an application process for grants. 
  2.14     Subd. 5.  [GRANT AWARDS.] The maximum grant award for a new 
  2.15  library must not exceed $250,000.  The maximum grant award for 
  2.16  renovation of an existing library must not exceed $50,000.  
  2.17  Priority must be given to proposals submitted by more than one 
  2.18  local government.  At least one-half of the grant awards must be 
  2.19  given to projects located in greater Minnesota. 
  2.20     Sec. 2.  [APPROPRIATION.] 
  2.21     $....... in fiscal year 2001 and $....... in fiscal year 
  2.22  2002 are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
  2.23  of children, families, and learning for the mighty books grant 
  2.24  program.  Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is 
  2.25  available in the second year.