HF 3475

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/02/2024 01:00pm

A bill for an act
relating to job training; appropriating money to develop training for water operators
and wastewater operators.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; TRAINING FOR WATER OPERATORS AND
WASTEWATER OPERATORS.
new text end

new text begin $350,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for a grant to the city of Austin to develop and
implement training programs for water operators and for wastewater operators. The training
programs are to be offered by Riverland Community College. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027. Any unencumbered balance at the end of fiscal year
2026 may be used for any purpose described in this section. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $100,000 is to develop:
new text end

new text begin (i) a training program for water supply system operators with a curriculum that relates
to the Department of Health's certification levels for water supply system operators; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) a training program for wastewater treatment facility operators with a curriculum that
relates to the Pollution Control Agency's certification levels for wastewater treatment facility
operators;
new text end

new text begin (2) $100,000 is for personnel at the Riverland Customized Training and Education
division at Riverland Community College campuses to recruit program designers, assist in
curriculum development, recruit students and instructors, work with other Riverland
Community College departments, and collaborate with external partners to support the new
programs;
new text end

new text begin (3) $65,000 is to develop program marketing, including marketing outreach, and to
distribute marketing material;
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new text begin (4) $35,000 is for administrative and overhead costs for Riverland Community College
to create and administer the water operator and wastewater operator training programs;
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new text begin (5) $35,000 is for equipment for students and instructors at Riverland Community College
to use in training program classes; and
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new text begin (6) $15,000 is for the city's expenses to administer the grant under this section.
new text end