WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 4940

University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center research and educational dairy facilities funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Anderson

Authorizes $20 million in state bonds to upgrade WCROC dairy research facilities, including a new milking area and related infrastructure, in two phases.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment #appropriations #bonds #universityofminnesota
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 4940

Summary of HF 4940 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Purpose

  • Authorizes funding and bond financing for the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) to develop dairy research, education facilities, and related infrastructure.
  • Facilitates the sale of state bonds to finance the project.

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1: University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center

  • Appropriation: Allocates $20,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for dairy research and educational facilities at WCROC.
  • Phased Project Breakdown:
    • Phase 1: Up to $7,740,000 designated for:
    • Design, construction, furnishing, and equipment upgrades to the HVAC system.
    • Renovation of utility room, staff restrooms, and shower rooms.
    • Construction of a new truck weigh station and transfer alley.
    • Equipping a milking facility, including:
      • Robotic or autonomous milking equipment
      • Sanitation equipment
      • Feed mills and grain storage facilities
    • Phase 2: Up to $12,260,000 designated for:
    • Design, construction, furnishing, and equipping a new building on-site.
    • Facility components to support the milking parlor, veterinary treatment area, feeding area, and holding area for research and education, plus administrative functions.
    • Additional site work: concrete pads, road access, utilities.
    • Manure and wastewater containment facilities.

Section 1.2: Bond Sale

  • The Commissioner of Management and Budget is authorized to sell and issue up to $20,000,000 in state bonds using the bond proceeds fund.
  • Financing terms and process must comply with relevant Minnesota statutes (Minnesota Statutes §§ 16A.631 to 16A.675) and the Minnesota Constitution (Art. XI, §§ 4-7).

Effective Date

  • The section becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Who is Affected

  • Primary: University of Minnesota Board of Regents (WCROC project administrator) and the institution’s dairy research and outreach activities.
  • Beneficiaries: Dairy science researchers, students, educators, and industry stakeholders in Minnesota who rely on WCROC for research, education, and outreach.
  • General Public/State Finances: Uses state debt financing (bond proceeds) to fund capital improvements; requires ongoing oversight of debt issuance and long-term facility operation.

Timelines and Process

  • The bill indicates a two-phase construction plan funded by a total $20 million bond authorization.
  • Bond issuance would occur under the rules governing state debt and bonds (as specified by statute and constitution).
  • Effective date is the day after enactment, after which the appropriation and bond authorization would be in place for project initiation.

This summary highlights the bill’s intent to expand and modernize dairy research and educational facilities at WCROC through a $20 million bond-financed project, executed in two phases and managed by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

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

Sign in to ask a question.