SF 123

1st Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/06/2012 01:38pm

A bill for an act
relating to county agricultural societies; appropriating money from the arts and
cultural heritage fund for grants to county agricultural societies.

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

Section 1. APPROPRIATION; COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
GRANTS.

(a) $3,785,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $3,785,000 in fiscal year 2013 are appropriated
from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to
county agricultural societies to enhance arts access and education, and to preserve and
promote Minnesota's history and cultural heritage as embodied in its county fairs. The
grants shall be in addition to the aid distribution to county agricultural societies under
Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02. The commissioner shall award grants for the following
purposes:

(1) $950,000 in each year, distributed in equal amounts to each of the 95 county
fairs, to enhance arts access and education, and to preserve and promote Minnesota's
history and cultural heritage;

(2) $1,875,000 in each year, distributed as competitive grants for the development or
enhancement of facilities that provide access to the arts; arts education; and agricultural,
historical, and cultural heritage programs, including, but not limited to, agricultural
education centers, arts buildings, and performance stages;

(3) $480,000 in each year, distributed as competitive grants for specific projects and
events that provide access to the arts or the state's agricultural, historical, and cultural
heritage; and

(4) $480,000 in each year, distributed as competitive grants for specific arts,
historical, or cultural programs.

(b) The commissioner of agriculture shall develop grantmaking criteria and guidance
on the expenditure of funds under this section. The commissioner shall seek input from
all interested parties.