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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 96--S.F.No. 1186

An act

relating to public facilities; modifying provisions of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority Act; making technical and housekeeping changes; modifying Pollution Control Agency project priority rule;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 116.182, subdivision 5; 446A.02; 446A.03; 446A.04; 446A.051; 446A.07; 446A.072; 446A.073; 446A.074; 446A.075; 446A.081; 446A.085; 446A.09; 446A.11, subdivision 13; 446A.17, subdivision 1; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 446A.05; 446A.06; 446A.15, subdivision 6.

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

ARTICLE 1

PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY TECHNICAL AND HOUSEKEEPING CHANGES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.02, is amended to read:

446A.02 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Applicability.

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms in this section have the meanings given them.

deleted text begin Subd. 1a. deleted text end

deleted text begin Agency. deleted text end

deleted text begin "Agency" means the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. deleted text end

Subd. 2.

Authority.

"Authority" means the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

deleted text begin Subd. 3. deleted text end

deleted text begin Commissioner. deleted text end

deleted text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development. deleted text end

deleted text begin Subd. 4. deleted text end

deleted text begin Federal Water Pollution Control Act. deleted text end

deleted text begin "Federal Water Pollution Control Act" means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, United States Code, title 33, sections 1251 et seq. deleted text end

new text begin Subd. 4a. new text end

new text begin Eligible recipient. new text end

new text begin "Eligible recipient" means a governmental unit or other entity that may be defined as an eligible recipient for specific programs within this chapter, and which may be different from one program to another. new text end

Subd. 5.

Governmental unit.

"Governmental unit" means a state agency, home rule charter or statutory city, county, sanitary district, or other governmental subdivision.

Subd. 6.

Project.

"Project" means new text begin any eligible activity authorized in this chapter including new text end the acquisition, new text begin design, new text end construction, improvement, expansion, repair, or rehabilitation of all or part of any structure, facility, or equipment deleted text begin necessary for a wastewater treatment system or water supply systemdeleted text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.03, is amended to read:

446A.03 MINNESOTA PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY.

Subdivision 1.

Membership.

The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority consists of the commissioner of employment and economic development, the commissioner of finance, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency, the commissioner of agriculture, the commissioner of health, and the commissioner of transportation.

Subd. 2.

Chair; other officers.

The commissioner of employment and economic development shall serve as the chair and chief executive officer of the authority. The authority new text begin shall have the position of vice-chair rotate annually among its members. In the absence of the chair or vice-chair at meetings of the authority members may elect a chair for the meeting, and new text end may elect other officers as necessary from its members.

Subd. 3a.

Delegation.

In addition to any powers to delegate that members of the authority have as commissioners, they may delegate to the deleted text begin commissioner of employment and economic developmentdeleted text end new text begin chair, vice-chair, or executive directornew text end their responsibilities as members of the authority for reviewing and approving financing of eligible projects that have been certified to the authoritynew text begin by another department or agency, projects that have been authorized by law, or programs specifically authorized by resolution of the authoritynew text end .

Subd. 4.

Board actions.

(a) A majority of the authority, excluding vacancies, constitutes a quorum to conduct its business, to exercise its powers, and for all other purposes.

(b) The board may conduct its business by any technological means available, including teleconference calls or interactive video, that allows for an interaction between members. If a meeting is conducted under this paragraph, a specific location must be available for the public to attend the meeting and at least one member must be present at that location.

Subd. 5.

Executive directornew text begin ; staffingnew text end .

The deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end shall employnew text begin and the chair shall appointnew text end , with the concurrence of the authority, an executive director in the unclassified service. The new text begin executive new text end director shall new text begin be responsible for staff of the authority. The executive director shall new text end perform duties that the authority may require in carrying out its responsibilitiesnew text begin to manage and implement the funds and programs in this chapter, implementation of debt issuance authorized by the authority, compliance with all state and federal program requirements, and state and federal securities and tax laws and regulationsnew text end .

Subd. 6.

Administrative services.

The deleted text begin commissioner shall provide administrative services to the deleted text end authority new text begin shall enter into agreements for administrative and professional services, and technical supportnew text end .

deleted text begin Subd. 7. deleted text end

deleted text begin Personal liability. deleted text end

deleted text begin Members and officers of the authority are not liable personally for any debt or obligation of the authority. deleted text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.04, is amended to read:

446A.04 POWERS; DUTIESnew text begin ; PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIONnew text end .

deleted text begin Subdivision 1. deleted text end

deleted text begin Bylaws; rules. deleted text end

deleted text begin The authority shall adopt bylaws for its organization and internal management. The commissioner may adopt rules covering the authority's operations, properties, and facilities. deleted text end

Subd. 2.

Power to sue; enter contracts.

The authority may sue and be sued. The authority may make and enter into contracts, leases, and agreements necessary to perform its duties and exercise its powers.

Subd. 3.

Gifts; grants.

The authority may apply for, accept, and disburse gifts, grants, loans, or other property from the United States, the state, private sources, or any other source for any of its purposes. Money received by the authority under this subdivision must be deposited in the state treasury and is appropriated to the authority to carry out its duties.

Subd. 4.

Contract for services.

The authority may retain or contract for the services of accountants, financial advisors, and other consultants or agents needed to perform its duties and exercise its powers.

Subd. 5.

Fees.

(a) The authority may set and collect fees for costs incurred by the authoritydeleted text begin for audits, arbitrage accounting, and payment of fees charged by the State Board of Investment. The authority may also set and collect fees for costs incurred bydeleted text end new text begin ,new text end the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Department of Employment and Economic Developmentnew text end , the Department of Health, the Pollution Control Agency, and the Department of Transportation, including costs for personnelnew text begin , professional,new text end and administrative services, for deleted text begin financingsdeleted text end new text begin debt issuance related costs new text end and the establishment and maintenance of reserve funds. Fees charged directly to borrowers or grantees upon executing a loan or grant agreement must not exceed one-half of one percent of the loan or grant amount. Servicing fees assessed to loan repayments must not exceed two percent of the loan repayment. The disposition of fees collected for costs incurred by the authority is governed by section 446A.11, subdivision 13. The authority shall enter into interagency agreements to transfer funds into appropriate administrative accounts established for fees collected under this subdivision for costs incurred by the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Department of Employment and Economic Developmentnew text end , the Department of Health, or the Pollution Control Agency. Fees collected under this subdivision for costs incurred by the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Department new text end of Transportation must be credited to the fund or account which is the source of the loan to which the fees are related.

(b) The authority shall annually report to the chairs of the finance and appropriations committees of the legislature on:

(1) the amount of fees collected under this subdivision for costs incurred by the authority;

(2) the purposes for which the fee proceeds have been spent; and

(3) the amount of any remaining balance of fee proceeds.

Subd. 6.

Property.

The authority may acquire, encumber, hold, and convey through lease, purchase, gift, or otherwise, any real or personal property.

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Loans; grants. new text end

new text begin The authority may make and contract to make loans and grants to eligible recipients to finance projects that the eligible recipient may construct or acquire. The authority may acquire or contract to acquire notes and bonds issued by eligible recipients to finance those projects. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6b. new text end

new text begin Debt. new text end

new text begin The authority may borrow money to administer its programs and may issue bonds or notes as evidence of the borrowing in accordance with sections 446A.12 to 446A.20. new text end

Subd. 7.

In general.

The authority has all the powers necessary and convenient to carry out its duties under this chapter.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.051, is amended to read:

446A.051 PROJECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Determination of financial assistance. new text end

The authority shall assist eligible deleted text begin governmental units deleted text end new text begin recipients new text end in determining what grants or loans under sections 446A.06, 446A.07, 446A.072, 446A.073, 446A.074, 446A.075, and 446A.081 to apply for to finance projects and the manner in which the deleted text begin governmental unitdeleted text end new text begin eligible recipientnew text end will pay for its portion of the project cost.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Grant limitations. new text end

If a project is eligible for a grant under section 446A.073, 446A.074, or 446A.075, the total grant shall not exceed the greater of the maximum amount from a single program or the amount the project could receive under section 446A.072.

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Financial feasibility review. new text end

new text begin (a)new text end The authority shall review the proposed financing for each project certified deleted text begin by the agencydeleted text end to new text begin the authority to new text end ascertain whether or not: (1) total financing of a project is assured; deleted text begin anddeleted text end (2) the governmental unit's financial plan to pay for its portion of the project cost is feasiblenew text begin ; (3) the proposed project and financing plan is an eligible use of the money; and (4) the proposal is in compliance with applicable state and federal tax and securities laws and regulationsnew text end .

new text begin (b) Unless a project is specifically authorized by law, the authority may reject the proposed financing for a project meeting the requirements in paragraph (a) if a majority of members believe the financing of the project would not be in the best interests of the state or would be detrimental to the authority's funds or programs. A determination to reject a proposed project shall not be made in an arbitrary and capricious manner and must be supported by substantive evidence and documented by a resolution of the authority stating its findings. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.07, is amended to read:

446A.07 new text begin CLEAN new text end WATER deleted text begin POLLUTION CONTROLdeleted text end REVOLVING FUND.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment of fund.

The authority shall establish a new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution control deleted text end revolving fund to provide loans for the purposes and eligible costs authorized under title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The fund must be credited with repayments.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this subdivision have the meanings given them. new text end

new text begin (b) "Eligible recipients" means governmental units or other entities eligible to receive loans or other assistance as provided in title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. new text end

new text begin (c) "Federal Water Pollution Control Act" means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, United States Code, title 33, sections 1251 et seq. new text end

Subd. 2.

State funds.

A state matching fund is established to be used in compliance with federal matching requirements specified in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. deleted text begin A state grant and loan fund is established to provide grants and loans to governmental units for the planning and construction of treatment works as specified in section 116.16, subdivision 2, paragraphs (6) and (7).deleted text end

Subd. 3.

Capitalization grant agreement.

The authority shall enter an agreement with the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to receive capitalization grants for thenew text begin clean waternew text end revolving fund. The authority may exercise powers necessary to comply with the requirements specified in the agreement, which must be in compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Subd. 4.

Intended use plan.

(a) The deleted text begin Public Facilitiesdeleted text end authority shall annually prepare and submit to the United States Environmental Protection Agency an intended use plan. The plan must identify the intended uses of the amounts available to thenew text begin cleannew text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund, including a list of wastewater treatment and storm water projects and all other eligible activities to be funded during the fiscal year.

(b) To be eligible for placement on the intended use plan:

(1) a project must be listed on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority list;

(2) the applicant must submit a written request to the deleted text begin Public Facilitiesdeleted text end authority, including a brief description of the project, a project cost estimate and the requested loan amount, and a proposed project schedule; and

(3) for a construction loan, the project must have a facility plan approved by the Pollution Control Agency.

(c) The Pollution Control Agency shall annually provide to the deleted text begin Public Facilitiesdeleted text end authority its project priority list of wastewater and storm water projects to be considered for funding. The deleted text begin Public Facilitiesdeleted text end authority may not submit the plan until it has received the review and comment of the Pollution Control Agency or until 30 days have elapsed since the plan was submitted to the Pollution Control Agency, whichever occurs first. In addition, the deleted text begin Public Facilitiesdeleted text end authority shall offer deleted text begin municipalitiesdeleted text end new text begin eligible recipients new text end seeking placement on the intended use plan an opportunity to review and comment on the plan before it is adopted. The plan may be amended to add additional projects for consideration for funding as it determines funds are available and additional projects are able to proceed.

Subd. 5.

Applications.

Applications by deleted text begin municipalities and other entities identified in the annual intended use plandeleted text end new text begin eligible recipientsnew text end for loans from the new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund must be made to the authority on forms requiring information prescribed by the deleted text begin rules of the agency adopted under this section. The authority shall send the applications to the agency within ten days of receiptdeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end . The deleted text begin directordeleted text end new text begin Pollution Control Agency new text end shall certify to the authority those deleted text begin applicationsdeleted text end new text begin projects new text end that appear to meet the criteria set forth in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, this section, and rules of the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency.

Subd. 6.

Award and terms of loans.

The authority shall award loans deleted text begin to those municipalities and other entitiesdeleted text end new text begin for projectsnew text end certified by the Pollution Control Agency or shall provide funding for the appropriate state agency or department to make loans for eligible activities deleted text begin certified by the pollution control agencydeleted text end new text begin identified in the intended use plan,new text end provided the use of funds and the terms and conditions of the loans are in conformance with the federal Water Pollution Control Act, this section, and rules of the Pollution Control Agency and the authority adopted under this section.

Subd. 7.

Loan conditions.

When making loans from the revolving fund, the authority shall comply with the conditions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including:

(a) Loans must be made at or below market interest rates, including interest-free loans, at terms not to exceed 20 years.

(b) The annual principal and interest payments must begin no later than one year after completion of a project. Loans must be fully amortized no later than 20 years after project completion.

(c) deleted text begin A loan deleted text end new text begin An eligible new text end recipient shall establish a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of the loan.

(d) The fund must be credited with all payments of principal and interest on all loans.

new text begin (e) A loan may not be used to pay operating expenses or current obligations, unless specifically allowed by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. new text end

new text begin (f) A loan made by the authority must be secured by notes or bonds of the eligible recipient of the loan. new text end

Subd. 8.

Other uses of revolving fund.

The new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund may be used as provided in title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including the following uses:

(1) to buy or refinance the debt obligation of governmental units for treatment works where debt was incurred and construction begun after March 7, 1985, at or below market rates;

(2) to guarantee or purchase insurance for local obligations to improve credit market access or reduce interest rates;

(3) to provide a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the authority if the bond proceeds are deposited in the fund;

(4) to provide loan guarantees, loans, or set-aside for similar revolving funds established by a governmental unit other than state agencies, or state agencies under sections 17.117, 103F.725, subdivision 1a, deleted text begin 116J.403,deleted text end and 116J.617; deleted text begin provided that no more than $4,000,000 of the balance in the fund may be used for the small cities block grant program under section 116J.403 and the tourism loan program under section 116J.617, taken together; deleted text end

(5) to earn interest on fund accounts; and

(6) to pay the reasonable costs incurred by the authority and the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency of administering the fund and conducting activities required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including water quality management planning under section 205(j) of the act and water quality standards continuing planning under section 303(e) of the act.

Amounts spent under clause (6) may not exceed the amount allowed under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Subd. 9.

Payments.

Payments from the fund must be made in accordance with the applicable state and federal law governing the payments, except that for projects other than those funded under section 17.117, 103F.725, subdivision 1a, deleted text begin 116J.403,deleted text end 116J.617, or 462A.05, no payment for a project may be made to deleted text begin a governmental unitdeleted text end new text begin an eligible recipientnew text end until and unless the authority has determined the total estimated cost of the project and ascertained that financing of the project is assured by:

(1) a loan authorized by state law or the appropriation of proceeds of bonds or other money of the governmental unit to a fund for the construction of the project; and

(2) an irrevocable undertaking, by resolution of the deleted text begin governing bodydeleted text end new text begin eligible recipient new text end of the governmental unit, to use all money made available for the project exclusively for the project, and to pay any additional amount by which the cost of the project exceeds the estimate by the appropriation to the construction fund of additional money or the proceeds of additional bonds to be issued by the deleted text begin governmental unitdeleted text end new text begin eligible recipientnew text end .

deleted text begin Subd. 10. deleted text end

deleted text begin Rules of authority. deleted text end

deleted text begin The commissioner shall adopt rules containing procedures for the administration of the authority's duties as provided in this section, including loan interest rates, the amounts of loans, and municipal financial need. deleted text end

Subd. 11.

Rules of new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency.

The new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency shall adopt rules relating to the deleted text begin procedure for preparation of the annual intended use plandeleted text end new text begin certification of projects to the authority for funding, new text end and other matters that the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency considers necessary for proper deleted text begin loandeleted text end administrationnew text begin of its duties under this sectionnew text end . Eligible activities are those required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1987, as amended.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.072, is amended to read:

446A.072 WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment of program.

The authority will establish a wastewater infrastructure funding program to provide supplemental assistance to deleted text begin municipalitiesdeleted text end new text begin governmental unitsnew text end receiving funding through thenew text begin cleannew text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving deleted text begin loandeleted text end new text begin fundnew text end program or the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Economic and Community Development's (USDA/RECD) Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program for the design and planning, improvements to, and construction of municipal wastewater treatment systems. The purpose of the program is to assist deleted text begin municipalitiesdeleted text end new text begin governmental unitsnew text end demonstrating financial need in building cost-efficient projects to address existing environmental or public health problems. To implement the program, the authority shall establish a wastewater infrastructure fund to provide grants and loans for the purposes authorized under title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The fund shall be credited with all investment income from the fund and all repayments of loans, grants, and penalties.

Subd. 3.

Program administration.

(a) The authority shall provide supplemental assistance, as provided in subdivision 5a to deleted text begin municipalitiesdeleted text end new text begin governmental unitsnew text end :

(1) whose projects are listed on the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency's project priority list;

(2) that demonstrate their projects are a cost-effective solution to an existing environmental or public health problem; and

(3) whose projects are approved by the USDA/RECD or certified by the commissioner of the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency.

(b) For a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unit new text end receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, applications must be made to the USDA/RECD with additional information submitted to the authority as required by the authority. Eligible project costs and affordability criteria shall be determined by the USDA/RECD.

(c) For a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end not receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, application must be made to the authority on forms prescribed by the authority for the new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund program with additional information as required by the authority. In accordance with section 116.182, the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency shall:

(1) calculate the essential project component percentage which must be multiplied by the total project cost to determine the eligible project cost; and

(2) review and certify approved projects to the authority.

(d) At the time funds are appropriated under this section, the authority shall reserve supplemental assistance for projects in order of their rankings on the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency's project priority list and in an amount based on their most recent cost estimates submitted to the authority or the as-bid costs, whichever is less.

Subd. 5a.

Type and amount of assistance.

(a) For a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, the authority shall provide assistance in the form of a grant of up to one-half of the eligible grant amount determined by USDA/RECD. A deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end may not receive a grant under this paragraph for more than $4,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, unless specifically approved by law. In the case of a sanitary district or other multijurisdictional project for which the USDA/RECD is unable to fully fund up to one-half of the eligible grant amount, the authority may provide up to an additional $1,000,000 for each additional deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end participating up to a maximum of $8,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, but not to exceed the maximum grant level determined by the USDA/RECD as needed to keep the project affordable.

(b) For a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end not receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, the authority shall provide assistance in the form of a loan for the eligible project costs that exceed five percent of the market value of properties in the project service areanew text begin , less the amount of any other grant funding received by the governmental unit for the projectnew text end . A deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end may not receive a loan under this paragraph for more than $4,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, unless specifically approved by law. In the case of a sanitary district or other multijurisdictional project, the authority may provide a loan under this paragraph for up to an additional $1,000,000 for each additional municipality participating up to a maximum of $8,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, unless specifically approved by law. A loan under this paragraph must bear no interest, must be repaid as provided in subdivision 7, and must only be provided in conjunction with a loan from the new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund under section 446A.07.

(c) Notwithstanding the limits in paragraphs (a) and (b), for a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end receiving supplemental assistance under this section after January 1, 2002, if the authority determines that the deleted text begin municipality'sdeleted text end new text begin governmental unit'snew text end construction and installation costs are significantly increased due to geological conditions of crystalline bedrock or karst areas and discharge limits that are more stringent than secondary treatment, the authority shall provide assistance in the form of half grant and half loan. Assistance from the authority may not be more than $25,000 per existing connection. Any additional grant amount received for the same project must be used to reduce the amount of the deleted text begin municipality'sdeleted text end new text begin governmental unit'snew text end loan from the water pollution control revolving fund that exceeds five percent of the market value of properties in the project service area.

Subd. 5b.

Special assessment deferral.

A deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end receiving a loan under subdivision 5a that levies special assessments to repay the loan under subdivision 5a or section 446A.07 may defer payment of such assessments under the provisions of sections 435.193 to 435.195.

Subd. 6.

Disbursements.

Disbursements of grants or loans awarded under this section by the authority to recipients must be made for eligible project costs as incurred by the recipients, and must be made by the authority in accordance with the project financing agreement and applicable state and federal laws and rules governing the payments.

Subd. 7.

Loan repayments.

Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in section 475.54, subdivision 1, this subdivision shall govern the maturities and mandatory sinking fund redemptions of the loans under this section. A deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end receiving a loan under this section shall repay the loan in semiannual payment amounts determined by the authority. The payment amount must be based on the average payments on the deleted text begin municipality'sdeleted text end new text begin governmental unit's clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund loan or, if greater, the minimum amount required to fully repay the loan by the maturity date. Payments must begin within one year of the date of the deleted text begin municipality'sdeleted text end new text begin governmental unit'snew text end final payment on the new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund loan. The final maturity date of the loan under this section must be no later than 20 years from the date of the first payment on the loan under this section and no later than 40 years from the date of the first payment on the new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund loan.

Subd. 8.

Eligibility.

A deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end is eligible for assistance under this section only after new text begin applying fornew text end grant funding from other sources new text begin and fundingnew text end has been deleted text begin applied for,deleted text end obtained, rejected, or the authority has determined that the potential funding is unlikely.

Subd. 9.

Loan limitation.

Supplemental assistance may not be used to reduce the sewer service charges of a significant wastewater contributor, or a single user that has caused the need for the project or whose current or projected flow and load exceed one-half of the current wastewater treatment plant's capacity.

Subd. 11.

Report on needs.

By February 1 of each even-numbered year, the authority, in conjunction with the Pollution Control Agency, shall prepare a report to the Finance Division of the senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the house Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee on wastewater funding assistance needs of deleted text begin municipalitiesdeleted text end new text begin governmental unitsnew text end under this section.

Subd. 12.

System replacement fund.

Each deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end receiving a loan new text begin or grant new text end under this section shall establish a system replacement fund and shall annually deposit a minimum of $.50 per 1,000 gallons of flow for major rehabilitationdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ornew text end expansionnew text begin of the treatment systemnew text end , or replacement of the treatment system at the end of its useful life. Money must remain in the accountdeleted text begin ,deleted text end for the life of the loan new text begin from the authority or USDA/RECD, new text end unless use of the fund is approved in writing by the authority for major rehabilitation, expansion, or replacement of the treatment system. By March 1 each year during the life of the loan, each deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin recipientnew text end shall submit a report to the authority regarding the amount deposited and the fund balance for the prior calendar year. Failure to comply with the requirements of this subdivision shall result in the authority assessing a penalty fee to the deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin recipientnew text end equal to one percent of the deleted text begin outstanding loan balancedeleted text end new text begin supplemental assistance amountnew text end for each year of noncompliance. Failure to make the required deposit or pay the penalty fee as required constitutes a default on the loan.

Subd. 14.

Consistency with land use plans.

A deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end applying for a project in an unsewered area shall include in its application to the authority a certification from the county in which the project is located that:

(1) the project is consistent with the county comprehensive land use plan, if the county has adopted one;

(2) the project is consistent with the county water plan, if the county has adopted one; and

(3) the county has adopted specific land use ordinances or controls so as to meet or exceed the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 7080.0305.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.073, is amended to read:

446A.073 TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.

Program established.

When money is appropriated for grants under this program, the authority must make grants new text begin up to a maximum of $3,000,000 new text end to deleted text begin municipalitiesdeleted text end new text begin governmental units new text end to cover up to one-half the cost of wastewater treatment or stormwater projects made necessary by wasteload reductions under total maximum daily load plans required by section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, title 33, section 1313(d).

Subd. 2.

Grant application.

Application for a grant must be made to the authority on forms prescribed by the authority for the total maximum daily load grant program, with additional information as required by the authority, including a project schedule and cost estimate for the work necessary to comply with the point source wasteload allocation. The Pollution Control Agency shall:

(1) in accordance with section 116.182, calculate the essential project component percentage, which must be multiplied by the total project cost to determine the eligible project cost; and

(2) review and certify to the authority those projects that have plans and specifications approved under section 115.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (f).

Subd. 3.

Project priorities.

When money is appropriated for grants under this program, the authority shall new text begin accept applications during the month of July and new text end reserve money for projects new text begin expected to proceed with construction by the end of the fiscal year new text end in the order deleted text begin that theirdeleted text end new text begin listed on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority list, provided the project is included in anew text end total maximum daily load plan deleted text begin wasdeleted text end new text begin that has been new text end approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency new text begin at the time the appropriation became law new text end and in an amount based on deleted text begin their most recentdeleted text end new text begin the new text end cost deleted text begin estimatesdeleted text end new text begin estimate new text end submitted to the authority new text begin in the grant application new text end or the as-bid costs, whichever is less.

Subd. 4.

Grant approval.

The authority must make a grant to a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end , as defined in section 116.182, subdivision 1, only after:

(1) the commissioner of the deleted text begin Minnesotadeleted text end Pollution Control Agency has certified to the United States Environmental Protection Agency a total maximum daily load plan for identified waters of this state that includes a point source wasteload allocation;

(2) the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the plan;

(3) a deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unit new text end affected by the plan has deleted text begin estimated the cost to it ofdeleted text end new text begin submitted the as-bid cost for thenew text end wastewater treatment new text begin or storm water new text end projects necessary to comply with the point source wasteload allocation;

(4) the Pollution Control Agency has approved the deleted text begin cost estimatedeleted text end new text begin as-bid costs and certified the grant eligible portion of the projectnew text end ; and

(5) the authority has determined that the additional financing necessary to complete the project has been committed from other sources.

Subd. 5.

Grant disbursement.

Disbursement of a grant must be made for eligible project costs as incurred by the deleted text begin municipalitydeleted text end new text begin governmental unitnew text end and in accordance with a project financing agreement and applicable state and federal laws and rules governing the payments.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.074, is amended to read:

446A.074 CLEAN WATER LEGACY PHOSPHORUS REDUCTION GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.

Creation of account.

A clean water legacy capital improvement account is created in the deleted text begin bond proceeds funddeleted text end new text begin state treasurynew text end . Money in the account may only be used for grants for eligible capital costs as provided in this section. Money in the clean water legacy capital improvement deleted text begin funddeleted text end new text begin accountnew text end , including interest earned, is appropriated to the authority for the purposes of this section.

Subd. 2.

Grants.

The authority shall award grants from the clean water legacy capital improvement account to governmental units for the capital costs of wastewater treatment facility projects or a portion thereof that will reduce the discharge of total phosphorus from the facility to one milligram per liter or less. A project is eligible for a grant if it meets the following requirements:

(1) the applicable phosphorus discharge limit is incorporated in a permit issued by the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency for the wastewater treatment facility on or after March 28, 2000, the grantee agrees to comply with the applicable limit as a condition of receiving the grant, or the grantee made improvements to a wastewater treatment facility on or after March 28, 2000, that include infrastructure to reduce the discharge of total phosphorus to one milligram per liter or less;

(2) the governmental unit has submitted deleted text begin a facilities plandeleted text end new text begin plans and specificationsnew text end for the project to the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency and a grant application to the authority on a form prescribed by the authority; and

(3) the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency has approved the deleted text begin facilities plandeleted text end new text begin plans and specificationsnew text end , and certified the new text begin project and the as-bid or final new text end eligible costs deleted text begin for the project deleted text end to the authority.

Subd. 3.

Eligible capital costs.

Eligible capital costs for phosphorus reduction grants under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), include engineering and inspection costs and the as-bid construction costs for phosphorus treatment. Eligible capital costs for phosphorus reduction grants under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), include the final, incurred construction, engineering, and inspection costs for phosphorus treatment.

Subd. 4.

Grant amounts and priorities.

(a) Priority must be given to projects that start construction on or after July 1, 2006new text begin , and rank on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority listnew text end . If a deleted text begin facility's plan for adeleted text end project is approved new text begin and certified new text end by the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency before July 1, 2010, the amount of the grant is 75 percent of the eligible capital cost of the projectnew text begin up to a maximum of $500,000new text end . If a deleted text begin facility's plan for adeleted text end project is approved new text begin and certified new text end by the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency on or after July 1, 2010, the amount of the grant is 50 percent of the eligible capital cost of the project new text begin up to a maximum of $500,000new text end . deleted text begin Priority in awarding grants under this paragraph must be based on the date of approval of the facility's plan for the project.deleted text end

(b) Projects that meet the eligibility requirements in subdivision 2 and have started construction before July 1, 2006, may be eligible for grants to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible capital cost of the project, less any amounts previously received in grants from other sources, provided that reimbursement is an eligible use of funds. Application for a grant under this paragraph must be submitted to the authority no later than June 30, 2008. Priority for award of grants under this paragraph must be based on the date of new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency approval of the deleted text begin facility plandeleted text end new text begin project plans and specificationsnew text end .

(c) In each fiscal year that money is available for grants, the authority shall new text begin accept applications during the month of July. Money shall new text end first deleted text begin award grantsdeleted text end new text begin be reserved until May 1 of that fiscal year for projects new text end under paragraph (a) deleted text begin to projects that met the eligibility requirements of subdivision 2deleted text end new text begin in the order listed on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority list and in an amount based on the cost estimate submitted to the authority in the grant application or the as-bid costs, whichever is less. Any money reserved for projects that are not approved and certified by the Pollution Control Agencynew text end by May 1 of that yeardeleted text begin . The authoritydeleted text end shall deleted text begin use any remaining money deleted text end new text begin be new text end available deleted text begin that yeardeleted text end to award grants under paragraph (b). deleted text begin Grants that have been approved but not awarded in a previous fiscal year carry over and must be awarded in subsequent fiscal years in accordance with the priorities in this paragraph.deleted text end

(d) Disbursements of grants under this section by the authority to recipients must be made for eligible project costs as incurred by the recipients, and must be made by the authority in accordance with the project financing agreement and applicable state law.

Subd. 5.

Fees.

The authority may charge the grant recipient a fee for its administrative costs not to exceed one-half of one percent of the grant amount, to be paid upon execution of the grant agreement.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.075, is amended to read:

446A.075 SMALL COMMUNITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Creation of account.

A small community wastewater treatment account is created in the special revenue fund. The authority shall make loans and grants from the account as provided in this section. Money in the fund is annually appropriated to the authority and does not lapse. The account shall be credited with all loan repayments and investment income from the account and servicing fees assessed under section 446A.04, subdivision 5. The authority shall manage and administer the small community wastewater treatment account and for these purposes, may exercise all powers provided in this chapter.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Technical assistance grants. new text end

new text begin If requested, and if it is an eligible use of funds, the authority shall provide technical assistance grants to governmental units as provided in this section to analyze possible solutions to problems from noncomplying individual sewage treatment systems. A grant under this subdivision shall equal $10,000 plus $500 per household, not to exceed a total of $40,000. Technical assistance grant funds may be used to: new text end

new text begin (1) contract with a licensed individual sewage treatment system professional for a preliminary analysis of the feasibility of installing new systems meeting the requirements of section 115.55; and new text end

new text begin (2) to contract for services from the University of Minnesota Extension Service to advise the governmental unit on the feasibility of possible wastewater treatment alternatives and help the governmental unit develop the technical, managerial, and financial capacity necessary to build, operate, and maintain individual wastewater treatment systems. new text end

Subd. 2.

new text begin Construction new text end loans and grants.

(a) The authority shall award loans deleted text begin as provided in paragraph (b) deleted text end and grants as provided in deleted text begin paragraphs (c) and (d)deleted text end new text begin this subdivision new text end to governmental units from the small community wastewater treatment account for projects to replace noncomplying individual sewage treatment systems with deleted text begin a community wastewater treatment deleted text end new text begin an individual sewage treatment new text end system or systems meeting the requirements of section 115.55. A governmental unit receiving a loan or deleted text begin loan anddeleted text end grant from the account shall own the individual wastewater treatment systems deleted text begin or community wastewater treatment systemsdeleted text end built under the program and shall be responsible, either directly or through a contract with a private vendor, for all inspections, maintenance, and repairs necessary to ensure proper operation of the systems.

(b) Loans may be awarded for up to 100 percent of eligible project costs as described in this section.

(c) When the area to be served by a project has a median household income below the state average median household income, the governmental unit may receive 50 percent of the funding provided under this deleted text begin sectiondeleted text end new text begin subdivisionnew text end in the form of a grant. An applicant may submit income survey data collected by an independent party if it believes the most recent United States census does not accurately reflect the median household income of the area to be served.

deleted text begin (d) If requested, and if it is an eligible use of funds, a governmental unit receiving funding under this section may receive a grant equal to ten percent of its first year's award, up to a maximum of $30,000, to contract for technical assistance services from the University of Minnesota Extension Service to develop the technical, managerial, and financial capacity necessary to build, operate, and maintain the systems. deleted text end

Subd. 3.

Project priority list.

Governmental units seeking loans or deleted text begin loans anddeleted text end grants from the small community wastewater treatment program shall first submit a project proposal to the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency on a form prescribed by the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency. A project proposal shall include the compliance status for all individual sewage treatment systems in the project area. The new text begin Pollution Control new text end agency shall rank project proposals on its project priority list used for the new text begin clean new text end water deleted text begin pollution controldeleted text end revolving fund under section 446A.07.

Subd. 4.

Applications.

Governmental units with projects on the project priority list shall submit applications new text begin for loans or grants under this program new text end to the authority on forms prescribed by the authority. new text begin An application for technical assistance funds shall include the number of households served by individual sewage treatment systems in the community and the proposed use of funds. new text end deleted text begin Thedeleted text end new text begin Annew text end application new text begin for construction funds new text end shall include:

(1) a list of the individual sewage treatment systems proposed to be replaced over a period of up to three years;

(2) a project schedule and cost estimate for each year of the project;

(3) a financing plan for repayment of the loan; and

(4) a management plan providing for the inspection, maintenance, and repairs necessary to ensure proper operation of the systems.

Subd. 5.

Awards.

The authority shall award loans deleted text begin or loansdeleted text end and grants as provided in deleted text begin subdivision 2deleted text end new text begin this sectionnew text end to governmental units with approved applications based on their ranking on the new text begin Pollution Control new text end Agency's project priority list. new text begin Prior to the award of construction loans or grants under subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the Pollution Control Agency shall certify that the individual sewage treatment systems to be built appear to meet the criteria set forth in section 115.55 and rules of the Pollution Control Agency. new text end The total amount awarded new text begin for construction loans and grants under subdivision 2, paragraph (b),new text end shall be based on the estimated project costs for the portion of the project expected to be completed within one year, up to an annual maximum of $500,000. For projects expected to take more than one year to complete, the authority may make a multiyear commitment for a period not to exceed three years, contingent on the future availability of funds. Each year of a multiyear commitment must be funded by a separate loan or loan and grant agreement meeting the terms and conditions in subdivision 6. A governmental unit receiving a loan or loan and grant under a multiyear commitment shall have priority for additional loan and grant funds in subsequent years.

Subd. 6.

Loan terms and conditions.

Loans from the small community wastewater treatment account shall comply with the following terms and conditions:

(1) principal and interest payments must begin no later than two years after the loan is awarded;

(2) loans shall carry an interest rate of one percent;

(3) loans shall be fully amortized within ten years of the first scheduled payment or, if the loan amount exceeds $10,000 per household, shall be fully amortized within 20 years but not to exceed the expected design life of the system;

(4) a governmental unit receiving a loan must establish a dedicated source or sources of revenues for repayment of the loan and must issue a general obligation note to the authority for the full amount of the loan; and

(5) each property owner voluntarily seeking assistance for repair or replacement of an individual treatment system under this program must provide deleted text begin andeleted text end new text begin a utility new text end easement to the governmental unit to allow access to the system for management and repairs.

Subd. 7.

Special assessment deferral.

(a) A governmental unit receiving a loan under this section that levies special assessments to repay the loan may defer payment of the assessments under the provisions of sections 435.193 to 435.195.

(b) A governmental unit that defers payment of special assessments for one or more properties under paragraph (a) may request deferral of that portion of the debt service on its loan, and the authority shall accept appropriate amendments to the general obligation note of the governmental unit. If special assessment payments are later received from properties that received a deferral, the funds received shall be paid to the authority with the next scheduled loan payment.

Subd. 8.

Eligible costs.

new text begin (a) Eligible costs for technical assistance grants as provided in subdivision 1a shall include the cost of soil borings. new text end

new text begin (b) new text end Eligible costs for deleted text begin small community wastewater treatmentdeleted text end new text begin construction new text end loans and grants shall include the costs deleted text begin of technical assistance as provided in subdivision 2, paragraph (d),deleted text end new text begin fornew text end design, construction, related legal fees, and land acquisition.

Subd. 9.

Disbursements.

Loan and grant disbursements by the authority under this section must be made for eligible project costs as incurred by the recipients, and must be made in accordance with the project loan or grant and loan agreement and applicable state law.

Subd. 10.

Audits.

A governmental unit receiving a loan under this section must annually provide to the authority for the term of the loan a copy of its annual independent audit or, if the governmental unit is not required to prepare an independent audit, a copy of the annual financial reporting form it provides to the state auditor.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.081, is amended to read:

446A.081 DRINKING WATER REVOLVING FUND.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this subdivision have the meanings given them.

deleted text begin (b) "Act" means the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996, Public Law 104-182. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) "Department" means the Department of Health. deleted text end

new text begin (b) "Eligible recipient" means governmental units or other entities eligible to receive loans or other assistance as provided in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. new text end

new text begin (c) "Federal Safe Drinking Water Act" means the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, United States Code, title 42, sections 300f et seq. new text end

Subd. 2.

Establishment of fund.

The authority shall establish a drinking water revolving fund to provide loans and other forms of financial assistance authorized by the new text begin federal Safe Drinking Waternew text end Act, as determined by the authority under the rules adopted under this section for the purposes and eligible costs authorized under the new text begin federal Safe Drinking Waternew text end Act. The fund must be credited with repayments. The new text begin federal Safe Drinking Waternew text end Act requires that the fund corpus must be managed so as to be available in perpetuity for the financing of drinking water systems in the state. At a minimum, 15 percent of the funds received each federal fiscal year shall be available solely for providing loans to public water systems which regularly serve fewer than 10,000 individuals.

Subd. 3.

State funds.

A state matching fund is established to be used in compliance with federal matching requirements specified in the new text begin federal Safe Drinking Waternew text end Act.

Subd. 4.

Capitalization grant agreement.

The authority shall enter into an agreement with the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to receive capitalization grants for the fund. The authority and the Department new text begin of Health new text end shall enter into an operating agreement with the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to satisfy the criteria in the act to operate the fund. The authority and the Department new text begin of Health new text end may exercise the powers necessary to comply with the requirements specified in the agreements and to ensure that loan recipients comply with all applicable federal and state requirements.

Subd. 5.

Intended use plan.

The authority shall annually prepare and submit to the United States Environmental Protection Agency an intended use plan. The plan must identify the intended uses of the amounts available to the drinking water revolving loan fund. The Department new text begin of Health new text end shall provide a prioritized list of drinking water projects and other eligible activities to be considered for funding by the authority. The plan may be amended by the authority and include additional eligible projects proposed by the Departmentnew text begin of Healthnew text end .

Subd. 6.

Applications.

Applications by municipalities, privately owned public water systems, and eligible entities identified in the annual intended use plan for loans from the fund must be made to the authority on the forms prescribed by the rules of the authority and the rules of the Department new text begin of Health new text end adopted under this section. The authority shall forward the application to the Departmentnew text begin of Healthnew text end within ten days of receipt. The Department new text begin of Health new text end shall approve those applications that appear to meet the criteria in the new text begin federal Safe Drinking Waternew text end Act, this section, and the rules of the Department new text begin of Health new text end or the authority.

Subd. 7.

Award and terms of loans.

The authority shall award loans to those municipalities, privately owned public water systems, and other eligible entities approved by the Departmentnew text begin of Healthnew text end , provided that the applicant is able to comply with the terms and conditions of the authority loan, which must be in conformance with the new text begin federal Safe Drinking Water Actnew text end , this section, and the rules of the authority adopted under this section.

Subd. 8.

Loan conditions.

(a) When making loans from the drinking water revolving fund, the authority shall comply with the conditions of the new text begin federal Safe Drinking Water new text end Act, including the criteria in paragraphs (b) to (e).

(b) Loans must be made at or below market interest rates, including zero interest loans, for terms not to exceed 20 years.

(c) The annual principal and interest payments must begin no later than one year after completion of the project. Loans must be amortized no later than 20 years after project completion.

(d) A loan recipient must identify and establish a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of the loan, and provide for a source of revenue to properly operate, maintain, and repair the water system.

(e) The fund must be credited with all payments of principal and interest on all loans, except the costs as permitted under section 446A.04, subdivision 5, paragraph (a).

new text begin (f) A loan may not be used to pay operating expenses or current obligations, unless specifically allowed by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. new text end

new text begin (g) A loan made by the authority must be secured by notes or bonds of the governmental unit and collateral to be determined by the authority for private borrowers. new text end

Subd. 9.

Other uses of fund.

The drinking water revolving loan fund may be used as provided in the act, including the following uses:

(1) to buy or refinance the debt obligations, at or below market rates, of public water systems for drinking water systems, where deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end debt was incurred after the date of enactment of the act, for the purposes of construction of the necessary improvements to comply with the national primary drinking water regulations under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;

(2) to purchase or guarantee insurance for local obligations to improve credit market access or reduce interest rates;

(3) to provide a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the authority if the bond proceeds are deposited in the fund;

(4) to provide loans or loan guarantees for similar revolving funds established by a governmental unit or state agency;

(5) to earn interest on fund accounts;

(6) to pay the reasonable costs incurred by the authority, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Departmentnew text begin of Healthnew text end for conducting activities as authorized and required under the act up to the limits authorized under the act; and

(7) to develop and administer programs for water system supervision, source water protection, and related programs required under the act.

Subd. 10.

Payments.

Payments from the fund to borrowers must be in accordance with the applicable state and federal laws governing deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end payments, except no payment for a project may be made to a borrower until and unless the authority has determined that the total estimated cost of the project and the financing of the project are assured by:

(1) a loan authorized by state law or appropriation of proceeds of bonds or other money of the borrower to a fund for the construction of the project; and

(2) an irrevocable undertaking, by resolution of the governing body of the borrower, to use all money made available for the project exclusively for the project, and to pay any additional amount by which the cost of the project exceeds the estimate by the appropriation to the construction fund of additional money or proceeds of additional bonds to be issued by the borrower.

deleted text begin Subd. 11. deleted text end

deleted text begin Rules of the authority. deleted text end

deleted text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development shall adopt rules containing the procedures for the administration of the authority's duties as provided by this section that include: setting of interest rates, which shall take into account the financial need of the applicant; the amount of project financing to be provided; the collateral required for public drinking water systems and for privately owned public water systems; dedicated sources of revenue or income streams to ensure repayment of loans; and the requirements to ensure proper operation, maintenance, and repair of the water systems financed by the authority. deleted text end

Subd. 12.

Rules of the department.

The Department new text begin of Health new text end shall adopt rules relating to the procedures for administration of the deleted text begin department'sdeleted text end new text begin Department of Health'snew text end duties under the act and this section. deleted text begin The department and the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development may adopt a single set of rules for the program.deleted text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.085, is amended to read:

446A.085 TRANSPORTATION REVOLVING LOAN FUND.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.

(b) "Act" means the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, Public Law 104-59, as amended.

(c) "Borrower" means the state, counties, cities, and other governmental entities eligible under the act and state law to apply for and receive loans from the transportation revolving loan fund.

(d) "Loan" means financial assistance provided for all or part of the cost of a project including money disbursed in anticipation of reimbursement or repayment, loan guarantees, lines of credit, credit enhancements, equipment financing leases, bond insurance, or other forms of financial assistance.

deleted text begin (e) "Transportation Committee" means a committee of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, acting on behalf of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, consisting of the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the commissioner of finance, and the commissioner of transportation. deleted text end

Subd. 2.

Purpose.

The purpose of the transportation revolving loan fund is to provide loans for public transportation projects eligible for financing or aid under any federal act or program or state law, including, without limitation, the study of the feasibility of construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitation, or replacement of transportation facilities; acquisition of right-of-way; and maintenance, repair, improvement, or construction of city, town, county, or state highways, roads, streets, rights-of-way, bridges, tunnels, railroad-highway crossings, drainage structures, signs, maintenance and operation facilities, guardrails, and protective structures used in connection with highways or transit projects. Enhancement items, including without limitation bicycle paths, ornamental lighting, and landscaping, are eligible for financing provided they are an integral part of overall project design and construction of a federal-aid highway. Money in the fund may not be used for any toll facilities project or congestion-pricing project.

Subd. 3.

Establishment of fund.

A transportation revolving loan fund is established to make loans for the purposes described in subdivision 2. A highway account is established in the fund for highway projects eligible under United States Code, title 23. A transit account is established in the fund for transit capital projects eligible under United States Code, title 49. A state funds general loan account is established in the fund for transportation projects eligible under state law. Other accounts may be established in the fund as necessary for its management and administration. The transportation revolving loan fund receives federal money under the act and money from any source. Money received under this section must be paid to the commissioner of finance and credited to the transportation revolving loan fund. Money in the fund is annually appropriated to the authority and does not lapse. The fund must be credited with investment income, and with repayments of principal and interest, except for servicing fees assessed under sections 446A.04, subdivision 5, and 446A.11, subdivision 8.

Subd. 4.

Management of fund and accounts.

The authority shall manage and administer the transportation revolving loan fund and individual accounts in the fund. For those purposes, the authority may exercise all powers provided in this chapter.

deleted text begin Subd. 6. deleted text end

deleted text begin Transportation Committee. deleted text end

deleted text begin The Transportation Committee may authorize the making of loans to borrowers by the authority for transportation purposes authorized by the act or this section, without further action by the authority. The authority may not make loans for transportation purposes without the approval of the Transportation Committee. Each project must be certified by the commissioner of transportation before its consideration by the Transportation Committee. deleted text end

Subd. 7.

Applications.

new text begin (a)new text end Applicants for loans must submit an application to the deleted text begin Transportation Committeedeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end on forms prescribed by the deleted text begin Transportation Committeedeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end . The applicant must provide the following information:

(1) the estimated cost of the project and the amount of the loan sought;

(2) other possible sources of funding in addition to loans sought from the transportation revolving loan fund;

(3) the proposed methods and sources of funds to be used for repayment of loans received; and

(4) information showing the financial status and ability of the borrower to repay loans.

new text begin (b) Each project must be certified by the commissioner of transportation under subdivision 8 before its consideration by the authority. new text end

Subd. 8.

Certification of projects.

The commissioner of transportation shall consider the following information when evaluating projects to certify deleted text begin for funding deleted text end to the deleted text begin Transportation Committeedeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end :

(1) a description of the nature and purpose of the proposed transportation project including an explanation of the need for the project and the reasons why it is in the public interest;

(2) the relationship of the project to the area transportation improvement program, the approved statewide transportation improvement program, and to any transportation plans required under state or federal law;

(3) the estimated cost of the project and the amount of loans sought;

(4) proposed sources of funding in addition to loans sought from the transportation revolving loan fund;

(5) the need for the project as part of the overall transportation system;

(6) the overall economic impact of the project; and

(7) the extent to which completion of the project will improve the movement of people and freight.

Subd. 9.

Loan conditions.

deleted text begin When making loans from the transportation revolving loan fund, the Transportation Committee shall comply with the applicable provisions of the act and state law. In addition,deleted text end A loan made under this section must:

(1) bear interest at or below market rates or as otherwise specified in federal law;

(2) have a repayment term not longer than 30 years;

(3) be fully amortized no later than 30 years after project completion;

(4) be subject to repayment of principal and interest beginning not later than five years after the facility financed with a loan has been completed, or in the case of a highway project, five years after the facility has opened to traffic; and

(5) be disbursed for specific project elements only after all applicable environmental requirements have been met.

Subd. 10.

Loans in anticipation of future apportionments.

A loan may be made to a county, or to a statutory or home rule charter city having a population of 5,000 or more, in anticipation of repayment of the loan from sums that will be apportioned to a county from the county state-aid highway fund under section 162.07 or to a city from the municipal state-aid street fund under section 162.14.

Subd. 11.

Payment by county or city.

Notwithstanding the allocation provisions of section 162.08 for counties, and the apportionment provisions of section 162.14 for cities, sums apportioned under section 162.13 to a statutory or home rule charter city, or under section 162.07 to a county, that has loan repayments due to the transportation revolving loan fund, shall be paid by the commissioner of transportation to the appropriate loan fund to offset the loan repayments that are due.

deleted text begin Subd. 12. deleted text end

deleted text begin Rules of Transportation Committee and authority. deleted text end

deleted text begin The commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development shall adopt administrative rules specifying the procedures that will be used for the administration of the duties of the Transportation Committee and authority. The rules must include criteria, standards, and procedures that will be used for making loans, determining interest rates to be charged on loans, the amount of project financing to be provided, the collateral that will be required, the requirements for dedicated sources of revenue or income streams to ensure repayment of loans, and the length of repayment terms. deleted text end

Subd. 13.

deleted text begin Authoritydeleted text end new text begin Dutiesnew text end and Rules of Departmentnew text begin of Transportationnew text end .

The commissioner of transportation shall establishdeleted text begin , adopt rules for,deleted text end and new text begin adopt rules to new text end implement a program to identify, assist with deleted text begin thedeleted text end development deleted text begin ofdeleted text end , and certify projects eligible for loans under deleted text begin the actdeleted text end new text begin this sectionnew text end to the deleted text begin Transportation Committee. Until rules are adopted by the commissioner of transportation, the commissioner of transportation may certify to the Transportation Committee any project that has been reviewed through an approved planning process that qualifies the project to be included in the statewide transportation program or amended into the statewide transportation improvement programdeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end .

deleted text begin Subd. 14. deleted text end

deleted text begin Joint rules. deleted text end

deleted text begin The commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development and the commissioner of transportation may adopt a single set of rules. deleted text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.09, is amended to read:

446A.09 REPORT; AUDIT.

The authority shall report to the legislature and the governor by January deleted text begin 1deleted text end new text begin 15new text end of each year. The report must include a complete operating and financial statement covering the authority's operations during the year, including amounts of income from all sources. new text begin The report must also include the authority's analysis of the interest rate subsidy provided to borrowers on loans made during the year. new text end Books and records of the authority are subject to audit by the legislative auditor in the manner prescribed for state agencies.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.11, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Proceeds appropriated to authority.

Proceeds of the authority's bonds, notes, and other obligations; amounts granted or appropriated to the authority for the making or purchase or the insurance or guaranty of loans or for bond reserves; income from investment; money in the funds; and all revenues from loans, fees, and charges of the authority including rentals, royalties, dividends, or other proceeds deleted text begin in connection with technology-related products, energy conservation products, or other equipmentdeleted text end are annually appropriated to the authority for the accomplishment of its corporate purposes and must be spent, administered, and accounted for in accordance with the applicable provisions of all bond and note resolutions, indentures, and other instruments, contracts, and agreements of the deleted text begin agencydeleted text end new text begin authoritynew text end . Notwithstanding section 16A.28, these appropriations are available until expended.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Nonliability of individuals.

No member of the authoritynew text begin , staff of the authority,new text end or other person executing the bonds, loans, interest rate swaps, or other agreements or contracts of the authority is liable personally on the bonds, loans, interest rate swaps, or other agreements or contracts of the authority or is subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of their issuance, execution, delivery, or performance.

Sec. 15.

new text begin REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION. new text end

new text begin (a) The revisor of statutes shall renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 373.45, as Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.086. The revisor shall also make necessary cross-reference changes in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules consistent with the renumbering. new text end

new text begin (b) The revisor of statutes shall renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.11, subdivisions 1 to 14, as Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.04, subdivisions 8 to 21. The revisor shall also make necessary cross-reference changes in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules consistent with the renumbering. new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 446A.05; 446A.06; and 446A.15, subdivision 6, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

ARTICLE 2

POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY PROJECT PRIORITY RULE MODIFICATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116.182, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Rules.

new text begin (a) new text end The agency shall adopt rules for the administration of the financial assistance program. For wastewater treatment projects, the rules must include:

(1) application requirements;

(2) criteria for the ranking of projects in order of priority based on factors including the type of project and the degree of environmental impact, and scenic and wild river standards; and

(3) criteria for determining essential project components.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, chapter 7077, the agency shall apply the following criteria to Minnesota Rules, part 7077.0119: new text end

new text begin (1) ten points shall be assigned if the municipality proposing the project holds a NPDES permit for a municipal separate storm sewer system and is implementing a storm water pollution prevention plan pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, section 122.34, that addresses requirements resulting from an USEPA-approved TMDL for an impaired water listed under United States Code, title 33, section 303(d), of the Clean Water Act; and new text end

new text begin (2) up to ten points shall be assigned to a municipal storm water project by multiplying 20 times the ratio of the project area's impervious surface area to the total project area to be served by the proposed best management practices. A maximum of ten points shall be awarded and any fraction of a point shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. new text end

new text begin (c) Paragraph (b) expires on June 30, 2012. new text end

Presented to the governor May 17, 2007

Signed by the governor May 21, 2007, 1:50 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes