This bill, H.F. No. 1308, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Hussein, proposes an appropriation of $18 million from the bond proceeds fund for the redevelopment of blighted property in the Midway area of St. Paul. The funds would be granted to the City of St. Paul via the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development, to be used for improving streets and public infrastructure.

Key Provisions:

• The appropriation supports redevelopment efforts, including:

  • Transit facilities
    
  • Rights-of-way and easements
    
  • Sidewalks and utilities
    
  • Sewer and stormwater systems
    
  • Landscaping and lighting
    
  • Parking facilities and other site improvements
    

• The affected area is defined within Snelling Avenue (west), University Avenue (north), Interstate 94 (south), and Pascal Street (east).

• The redevelopment targets properties that sustained severe damage during the civil unrest following the May 2020 peacetime emergency declared in Emergency Executive Order 20-64.

• Requires the city to enter a lease or management agreement for any parking facility, as per Minnesota Statutes section 16A.695.

• Authorizes the sale and issuance of up to $18 million in state bonds to fund the project, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution (Article XI, Sections 4-7).

Purpose:

The bill aims to revitalize areas in St. Paul that suffered significant damage during the 2020 civil unrest, improving infrastructure and supporting economic redevelopment.