HF 164

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

A bill for an act
relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds;
appropriating money for the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center arena.

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

Section 1. new text begin DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT AND CONVENTION CENTER.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin $37,932,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds
fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to the
Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority to design, construct, furnish, and
equip renovations to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. The renovations
must include an approximately 217,446 square foot arena with an ice sheet of at least 200
feet by 85 feet; trade show and concert space; seating capacity of at least 6,630 with
suites, club seats, and concessions; state-of-the-art locker and training facilities; and
accessible and expanded media space.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Bond sale. new text end

new text begin To provide the money appropriated in this act from the bond
proceeds fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an
amount up to $37,932,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by
Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution,
article XI, sections 4 to 7.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Activities; contracts. new text end

new text begin The legislature recognizes that the authority has
all powers necessary or convenient to design, construct, furnish, equip, and improve the
Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, including a new arena, and may enter into
contracts that are, in its judgment, in the best interests of the public for those purposes.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the authority may adopt a fair and competitive
design and construction procurement process as determined by the authority to be in
the public interest in connection with the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center
improvements.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This act is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end