HF 2419

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/13/2019 11:22am

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; appropriating money for a pilot grant program
to support broadband connections for coworking spaces; requiring reports.

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

Section 1. new text begin COWORKING GRANTS PILOT PROGRAM; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $50,000 in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for grants to support broadband connections
for coworking spaces designed to foster startup businesses.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grant recipients must:
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new text begin (1) be located in an unserved area or an underserved area for broadband, as defined
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.394; and
new text end

new text begin (2) obtain a 100 percent nonstate match to grant funds in either cash or in-kind
contributions, though matching funds may be used for expenses of the coworking space
other than broadband.
new text end

new text begin (c) Within one year of receiving grant funds, grant recipients must report to the
commissioner on the outcomes of the grant program including but not limited to the number
of startup businesses served and the amount of local funds invested.
new text end