1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to telecommunications; authorizing a joint powers entity in Sibley and 
1.3 	Renville Counties to engage in certain telecommunications activity.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. JOINT POWERS ENTITY; SIBLEY AND RENVILLE COUNTIES.
 1.6 	The joint powers entity established under a joint and cooperative agreement by and 
1.7 	between Sibley County, Renville County, and the cities of Arlington, Gibbon, Gaylord, 
1.8 	Fairfax, Henderson, New Auburn, Green Isle, and Winthrop is authorized to finance, 
1.9 	construct, maintain, and operate a telecommunications network, including fiber optic 
1.10 	facilities, for purposes of offering telephone, data, Internet, and cable communications 
1.11 	services. The network may be constructed within the boundaries of the participating cities 
1.12 	and unincorporated portions of the counties.
1.13 	The election requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 237.19, do not apply as a 
1.14 	condition to the exercise of the authority granted under this section.