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SF 4855

St. Cloud 5th Avenue South Campus and Downtown Connection capital project bond issue and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aric Putnam

Finances a St. Cloud campus project and its downtown connection through state bonds and funds to build facilities, connectivity, and related improvements.

Referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · SF 4855

Summary — SF 4855 (Session 2025-2026, Minnesota)

Title

St. Cloud 5th Avenue South Campus and Downtown Connection capital project bond issue and appropriation

Purpose and intent

SF 4855 proposes financing for a capital project in the city of St. Cloud focused on the 5th Avenue South Campus and a related downtown connection. The bill seeks to authorize the issuance of state bonds and appropriate funds to support construction, renovation, or development activities associated with this campus and its downtown connection, aiming to enhance educational, economic, and community development in the area.

Key provisions and changes

  • Bond authorization: The bill would authorize the issuance of state general obligation bonds to fund the specified capital project. The exact bond amount, terms, interest rate framework, and repayment schedule would be specified in the bill or associated fiscal notes.
  • Appropriation of funds: Provides for state appropriations to support project costs, including planning, design, construction, equipment, and related project delivery costs.
  • Project scope (St. Cloud 5th Avenue South Campus):
    • Development or enhancement of facilities on the 5th Avenue South site in St. Cloud.
    • Potential integration with or connection to the downtown area, improving access, circulation, and linkages between the campus and downtown infrastructure.
  • Downtown connection: Provisions to fund infrastructure or facilities that create or improve a connection between the campus and downtown St. Cloud, which may include transportation, pedestrian pathways, accessibility improvements, or other adaptive reuse or acceleration of linkages.
  • Timeline and milestones: The bill may specify project milestones, reporting requirements, and procurement timelines to ensure transparent use of funds and adherence to project schedules.
  • Local coordination: Encouragement or requirements for coordination with the city of St. Cloud, local school or college partners, and other stakeholders to align the project with local planning and economic development goals.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • State government: The Minnesota State Legislature, especially the Capital Investment committee, would authorize bonds and appropriations.
  • City of St. Cloud: Local government and planning agencies would implement the project, manage local permits, and coordinate with state financing.
  • Educational or campus partners: If the 5th Avenue South Campus is affiliated with a higher education system or a local educational entity, those institutions would manage project execution and post-construction use.
  • Downtown stakeholders: Businesses, residents, and transportation providers in downtown St. Cloud would be affected by enhanced connectivity and potential traffic, accessibility, and economic effects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Capital Investment committee (as of 2026-03-25).
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would undergo committee deliberation, possible amendments, and eventual floor consideration in the Minnesota Senate. It would need to pass both houses and be signed by the governor or attain an appropriate gubernatorial approval process for capital appropriations.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Economic development: Aimed at boosting local development, job creation during construction, and long-term economic vitality through campus-downtown integration.
  • Fiscal impact: State debt service for bonds and ongoing budget implications; potential need for local matching funds or ongoing maintenance costs.
  • Community and accessibility: Enhanced access to education facilities and improved downtown connectivity could affect mobility, land use, and neighborhood vitality.

If you would like, I can add more detail on the bill’s fiscal note, anticipated bond terms, or a projected project timeline once those specifics are available.

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

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