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HF 335

Greater Minnesota business development public infrastructure grant program funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Johnson and 2 co-sponsors

HF 335 creates a state infrastructure grant program to fund projects in Greater Minnesota that enable business development, job creation, and economic growth.

Author added Kozlowski
#employmentandeconomicdevelopmentdepartment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 335

Summary of HF 335 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title

Greater Minnesota business development public infrastructure grant program funding provided, and money appropriated.

Primary Purpose

HF 335 establishes and funds a public infrastructure grant program aimed at supporting business development in Greater Minnesota. The bill creates a mechanism for state funding to assist projects that improve infrastructure critical to business growth, job creation, and economic development outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of a grant program: Creates a dedicated public infrastructure grant program targeting projects in Greater Minnesota intended to spur business development and economic growth.

  • Funding and appropriation: The bill provides for money to be appropriated to support the grant program. It specifies that appropriated funds are to be used for eligible infrastructure projects that facilitate business activity in eligible communities.

  • Eligible projects: While the full text would detail criteria, typical provisions for such programs include:

    • Infrastructure improvements (e.g., roads, utilities, broadband, sewer/water systems) that enable business expansion or new business attraction.
    • Projects that demonstrate expected economic benefits, such as job creation, increased capital investment, or enhanced competitiveness of local industries.
    • Potential prioritization for projects with strong leverage, cost-sharing, or community readiness.

  • Administration and process:

    • A framework for applying for grants, including eligibility determination, scoring criteria, and grant awards.
    • Possible role for a state agency (often the Department of Employment and Economic Development or an equivalent) to administer the program.
    • Reporting and accountability requirements to ensure funds are used for approved purposes and that outcomes (jobs created, investment leveraged) are tracked.

  • Geographic focus: Targets Greater Minnesota, defined as non-metropolitan parts of Minnesota, with emphasis on projects that may be overlooked by larger statewide infrastructure funding efforts.

Who Would be Affected

  • Local governments and economic development organizations in Greater Minnesota seeking funding for infrastructure projects that enable business development.
  • Businesses in Greater Minnesota that would benefit from improved infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities, broadband) enabling expansion or new operations.
  • State agencies responsible for administering the grant program and monitoring outcomes.
  • Taxpayers and communities, through oversight requirements and potential reporting on program impact and accountability.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: HF 335 was introduced and referred to the joint committee on Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy on February 13, 2025.
  • Authorities and sponsors: The bill lists co-sponsors (Liish Kozlowski, Roger Skraba, Pete Johnson) and notes an author addition (Kozlowski) on February 20, 2025.
  • Next steps (typical for such bills):
    • Committee hearings to hear testimony and refine provisions.
    • Amendments addressing eligibility, funding levels, project criteria, and reporting.
    • Potential floor debate and passage by the Minnesota House, followed by Senate consideration and a conference if needed.
    • Final appropriations would require approval in the legislature and signature by the governor.

Potential Impact

  • Economic development emphasis in Greater Minnesota through targeted infrastructure investments.
  • Job creation and investment facilitated by improved physical and digital infrastructure.
  • Enhanced competitiveness of rural and non-metropolitan Minnesota communities for business expansion and site readiness.
  • Accountability measures would aim to ensure that funds are used efficiently and that outcomes are measurable.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and the available action history. For precise eligibility criteria, funding amounts, priority criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements, the full text of HF 335 and any amendments would be necessary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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