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Bill

SF 4856

St. Cloud Mississippi Riverwalk Connection bond issue and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aric Putnam

The bill authorizes a state bond and appropriation to fund design, construction, and related activities to create a connected St. Cloud Mississippi Riverwalk.

Referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · SF 4856

Summary of SF 4856 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Title

St. Cloud Mississippi Riverwalk Connection bond issue and appropriation

Purpose and intent

The bill proposes the authorization of a bond issue by the state and an accompanying appropriation to fund the design, construction, and related activities necessary to create or complete a connection along the Mississippi Riverwalk in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The overarching goal is to enhance public riverfront access, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic/economic benefits associated with a continuous riverwalk connection.

Key provisions and changes

  • Bond authorization: The bill authorizes a state bond issuance specifically designated to fund the St. Cloud Mississippi Riverwalk Connection project. Details such as the total bond amount, term length, interest rates, issuance schedule, and security/credit provisions are typically outlined in the bill, though exact figures are not provided in the summary text available here.

  • Appropriations: Alongside the bond authorization, the bill includes a state appropriation to support project activities. This may cover pre-design work, final design, land acquisition or easements, construction, and related costs (e.g., environmental review, permits, right-of-way, and contingency funding).

  • Project scope: The focus is on creating a connected segment of the Mississippi Riverwalk in St. Cloud. This could entail linking existing riverwalk segments, constructing new pathway segments, bridges or boardwalks, accessibility improvements, lighting, safety features, landscaping, and wayfinding.

  • Authority and administration: The bill likely designates responsible state agencies (such as the Capital Investment or a related state department) and may set governance or oversight requirements, including reporting, project milestones, and compliance with state procurement and environmental standards.

Who is affected

  • State government: Requires authorization to issue bonds and expend state funds for the project. Administrative oversight, reporting, and procurement processes will be triggered.

  • City of St. Cloud and local stakeholders: Beneficiaries of the project through improved riverfront access, potential tourism, and enhanced quality of life. The city may participate in project planning, land use coordination, and local funding matches if required.

  • General public: Users of the Mississippi Riverwalk, including residents and visitors who gain improved recreation space, pedestrian connectivity, and aesthetic value along the St. Cloud riverfront.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: The bill was introduced and underwent its first reading on March 25, 2026.

  • Referral: The bill was referred to the Capital Investment committee, indicating its alignment with the state’s capital investment and bonding process.

  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee discussion, potential amendments, floor debate, and, if passed, progress to the other legislative chamber and, ultimately, to the governor for signature. Bond-related bills typically include detailed fiscal notes, schedules, and project milestone timelines.

Notes

  • The provided summary reflects the bill’s stated aim to fund a St. Cloud riverwalk connection through a bond issue and appropriation. Specific financial amounts, bonding terms, project phasing, and matching funds (if any) would be detailed in the bill’s full text and accompanying fiscal notes.

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

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