Minnesota Zoo asset preservation funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Bierman and 3 co-sponsors

The bill would authorize up to $30 million in state bonds to fund asset preservation, infrastructure upgrades, and modernized animal exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo.

Author added Rehrauer

#appropriations #bonds #zoos

Purpose and Intent

HF 3628 proposes capital investment funding dedicated to asset preservation for the Minnesota Zoo. The bill authorizes the sale of state bonds to raise up to $30 million, with proceeds to be used for preservation, improvement, and modernization of infrastructure and exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo. The overarching goal is to address aging facilities, improve animal welfare standards, enhance guest experience, and strengthen safety for animals and staff.

Key Provisions

Appropriation of Bond Proceeds

An appropriation of $30,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund to the Minnesota Zoological Board.
Purpose: capital asset preservation improvements and betterments to infrastructure and exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo.
Eligible uses include, but are not limited to:
Replacing buildings that are in poor condition or outdated and no longer support the Zoo’s work.
Constructing and renovating trails and roads within the Minnesota Zoo site.
Renovating animal exhibits to meet modern animal welfare standards.
Addressing animal and staff safety issues.
Improving the viewing experience for guests.

Bond Issuance Authorization

The commissioner of management and budget is authorized to sell and issue up to $30,000,000 in state bonds.
Bond sale must conform to:
Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675.
Minnesota Constitution, Article XI, sections 4 to 7.
Funds are to be used as specified in the appropriation, under the authority of the bond proceeds fund.

Effective Date

The act becomes effective the day following final enactment.

Who/What Is Affected

Minnesota Zoo (Minnesota Zoological Board): Receives a $30 million capital investment to enhance asset preservation, infrastructure, and exhibits.

State Finance Authority/Mechanisms: Bonds will be issued under existing state bonding statutes and constitutional provisions, with the Department of Management and Budget overseeing bond sale.

Public and Visitors: Potential improvements in animal welfare, safety, and guest experience resulting from upgraded facilities and exhibits.

Zoo Staff and Animal Welfare: Anticipated safety improvements and modernization of habitats.

Procedural/Timelines

Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the 94th Legislature (2025-2026), referred to Capital Investment.

Sponsor Roll: Co-sponsors include John Huot, Jeff Witte, Kari Rehrauer, and Robert Bierman.

Current Status: As of the latest actions, HF 3628 has been introduced and assigned for committee consideration; an author addition occurred on 2026-02-25.

Notable Details

The bill specifies flexibility in uses beyond standard statutory limitations (e.g., allowing use of funds to replace aging buildings, update trails/roads, and modernize animal housing to meet welfare standards).

The funding is sourced via state bonds, implying future debt service obligations but aligned with statutory bond sale processes.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with existing statutes (16A.631-16A.675 and 16B.307) to highlight deviations or confirm compliance, or draft a lay-friendly FAQ for public communication.

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