City of Alexandria critical access dental clinic furnishing and equipping appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Utke and 1 co-sponsor

Provides a one-time $1,000,000 capital grant in 2027 to furnish and equip a critical access dental clinic in Alexandria, via West Central Dental Resources, Inc.

Referred to Capital Investment

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Bill at a Glance

Short title: City of Alexandria critical access dental clinic furnishing and equipping appropriation

Bill number: SF 5265

Session: 94th Legislature (2025-2026)

Jurisdiction: Minnesota

Introduced by: Primary author(s) not specified in provided text; co-authors include Torrey Westrom and Paul Utke

Committee: Capitol Investment (referred)

Introduced / Read: Introduced and first reading on May 6, 2026

Status: Referred to Capital Investment

Purpose and Intent

The bill provides a one-time capital appropriation to furnish and equip a critical access dental clinic in the city of Alexandria, Minnesota.

The funding targets improving access to dental care in a critical access setting by supporting the physical furnishings and equipment of a clinic operated or supported by a nonprofit entity.

Key Provisions

Funding Amount and Source

Amount: $1,000,000
Fiscal Year: 2027
Source: General Fund
Recipient: West Central Dental Resources, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Use of Funds

The appropriation is designated to furnish and equip a critical access dental clinic in Alexandria.
It is a capital investment grant, focused on start-up or expansion-related furnishings and equipment rather than ongoing operating costs.

Nature of Appropriation

Onetime appropriation (not annual), intended to support completion of the project.
Availability: The grant is available until the project is completed or abandoned, with compliance and timing governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642 (which typically governs appropriations and project timelines, including project termination rules if not completed within a specified period).

Effective Date

The section becomes effective the day following final enactment.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primary Beneficiary: West Central Dental Resources, Inc. (501(c)(3) nonprofit)

The grant would be disbursed to this organization to furnish and equip the stated clinic.

Secondary Beneficiaries/Community Impact:

Residents of Alexandria and surrounding area who rely on the critical access dental clinic for dental services.
The broader mission is to improve access to dental care in a rural or underserved community by enabling a fully equipped clinic.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Authorization Type: One-time capital grant.

Disbursement Timing: Funds are appropriated in fiscal year 2027, pending project completion status and eligibility under applicable state statutes.

Project Oversight: Subject to general state appropriations rules, including availability until completion or abandonment per Minnesota statutes (16A.642).

Notes and Context

The bill’s focus is narrow: it does not propose ongoing operating funds or reimbursement policies, but a capital investment to enable a critical access dental facility.

The bill includes a standard “effective date” clause tying the law to enactment.

The bill text shows two co-sponsors: Torrey Westrom and Paul Utke.

If you’d like, I can add a concise impact analysis (potential benefits, risks, and metrics for evaluating success) or compare to similar prior funding bills.

Bill