HF 2792

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; requiring proposals for baseball parks; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 240A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [240A.14] BASEBALL PLAN DEVELOPMENT; CRITERIA.
new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission shall develop a plan to promote the
development of proposals for new statewide baseball facilities including proposals for
baseball parks and matching grants based on the criteria in this section.
new text end

new text begin (a) For baseball park proposals, the commission will give priority to proposals that
come from more than one local government unit. Institutions of higher education are not
eligible to receive a grant.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commission shall administer a site selection process for the baseball parks.
The commission shall invite proposals from cities or counties or consortia of cities. A
proposal for a baseball park must include matching contributions including in-kind
contributions of land, access roadways and access roadway improvements, and necessary
utility services, landscaping, and parking.
new text end

new text begin (c) The location for all proposed facilities must be in areas of maximum
demonstrated interest and must maximize accessibility to an arterial highway.
new text end

new text begin (d) To the extent possible, all proposed facilities must be dispersed equitably, must
be located to maximize potential for full utilization and profitable operation, and must
accommodate noncompetitive family and community programs for all ages.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commission may also use the money to upgrade current facilities.
new text end

new text begin (f) To the extent possible, 50 percent of all grants must be awarded to communities
in greater Minnesota or 12.5 percent per congressional district.
new text end

new text begin (g) A grant for new facilities may not exceed $100,000.
new text end

new text begin (h) The commission may make grants for rehabilitation and renovation. A
rehabilitation or renovation grant may not exceed $25,000.
new text end

new text begin (i) Grant money may be used to upgrade existing facilities to comply with the
bleacher safety requirements of section 16B.616.
new text end