1998 Minnesota Statutes

     116J.421 Rural policy and development center. 

    Subdivision 1.    Established.  The rural policy and 
 development center is established at Mankato State University. 

    The center may be established by the board as a nonprofit 
 corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
 or the board may organize and operate the center in a manner and 
 form that the board determines best allows the center to carry 
 out its duties. 

    Subd. 2.    Governance.  The center is governed by a 
 board of directors appointed to six-year terms by the governor 
 comprised of: 

    (1) a representative from each of the two largest statewide 
 general farm organizations; 

    (2) a representative from a regional initiative 
 organization selected under section 116J.415, subdivision 3; 

    (3) the president of Mankato State University; 

    (4) a representative from the general public residing in a 
 town of less than 5,000 located outside of the metropolitan 
 area; 

    (5) a member of the house of representatives appointed by 
 the speaker of the house and a member of the senate appointed by 
 the subcommittee on committees of the senate committee on rules 
 and administration appointed for two-year terms; 

    (6) three representatives from business, including one 
 representing rural manufacturing and one rural retail and 
 service business; 

    (7) three representatives from private foundations with a 
 demonstrated commitment to rural issues; 

    (8) one representative from a rural county government; and 

    (9) one representative from a rural regional government. 

    Subd. 3.    Duties.  The center shall: 

    (1) identify present and emerging social and economic 
 issues for rural Minnesota, including health care, 
 transportation, crime, housing, and job training; 

    (2) forge alliances and partnerships with rural communities 
 to find practical solutions to economic and social problems; 

    (3) provide a resource center for rural communities on 
 issues of importance to them; 

    (4) encourage collaboration across higher education 
 institutions to provide interdisciplinary team approaches to 
 problem solving with rural communities; and 

    (5) involve students in center projects. 

    Subd. 4.    Statewide focus.  The center has a statewide 
 mission.  It may contract and collaborate with higher education 
 and other institutions located throughout the state. 

    Subd. 5.    Powers.  The board has the power to do all 
 things reasonable and necessary to carry out the duties of the 
 center including, without limitation, the power to: 

    (1) enter into contracts for goods or services with 
 individuals and private and public entities; 

    (2) sue and be sued; 

    (3) acquire, hold, lease, and transfer any interest in real 
 and personal property; 

    (4) accept appropriations, gifts, grants, and bequests; 

    (5) hire employees; and 

    (6) delegate any of its powers. 

    HIST: 1997 c 200 art 1 s 51; 1Sp1998 c 1 art 3 s 18,19