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SF 3972

Restoration Park in Dodge County bond issue and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karin Housley

Authorizes state general obligation bonds and provides funding to develop or restore Restoration Park in Dodge County.

Referred to Capital Investment
#appropriations #bonds #parksandtrails
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Bill Summary · SF 3972

Summary of SF 3972 (2025-2026) — Restoration Park in Dodge County Bond Issue and Appropriation

Overview

SF 3972 is a Minnesota Senate bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that proposes a bond issue and appropriation to support the development or restoration of a park facility named “Restoration Park” in Dodge County. The bill has one listed co-sponsor: Senator Karin Housley. The bill was introduced and referred to the Capital Investment committee on February 26, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary objective is to authorize public borrowing (general obligation bonds) and provide state funding for a park project located in Dodge County, referred to as “Restoration Park.”
  • The measure aims to advance outdoor recreation opportunities, community amenities, and related capital improvements by facilitating public investment through bonding and state appropriation.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typically included in such bills)

While the exact text of SF 3972 is not provided here, bills of this nature generally include:
- Authorization of a specific bond amount to finance the project (principal amount, terms, interest, and repayment period).
- Designation of funding sources (general obligation bonds issued by the state, potentially with a dedicated repayment mechanism or timeline).
- An appropriation section detailing the amount of state funds to be allocated to the project, including whether funds are to be disbursed to a state agency, local government, or a park district.
- Definitions and project scope, specifying components like construction, rehabilitation, facilities, trails, accessibility improvements, landscaping, and associated infrastructure.
- Conditions for funding disbursement, including milestones, cost-sharing requirements, environmental reviews, and compliance with state procurement and public works rules.
- Oversight and reporting requirements, such as periodic progress reports, financial accounting, and project closeout criteria.
- Any local match requirements or partnerships with Dodge County, a city, park authority, or local nonprofit entity.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Dodge County residents and visitors who would use Restoration Park.
  • Local governments or park districts responsible for project planning, construction, and maintenance.
  • State taxpayers, as bond funding involves state debt and debt service obligations.
  • Potential contractors and suppliers participating in the park’s development.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: February 26, 2026.
  • Referral: Capital Investment committee, signaling a focus on the project’s capital cost, financing, and long-term fiscal impact.
  • Subsequent steps (not specified in the summary): committee hearings, potential amendments, floor debate, and final passage by both chambers, followed by the governor’s signature or veto. If enacted, bond issuance and appropriation would follow the statutory processes for capital projects, including bonding authority authorization, debt service planning, and project milestones.

Notes for Readers

  • Specific dollar amounts, repayment terms, project scope, and disbursement schedules are not included in the available summary. The precise language of SF 3972 would detail the bond authorization, the exact appropriation amount, eligible costs, eligible recipients, and any matching fund requirements.
  • As with all capital investment bills, environmental, procurement, and local government compliance provisions will influence implementation timelines and feasibility.

If you’d like, I can look up the bill’s full text or recent amendments to provide a more granular breakdown of dollar figures, project scope, and schedule.

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

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