Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to allocate funds for the development of a geothermal energy system at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support renewable energy projects in the state.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $2,570,000 from Minnesota's renewable development account specifically for the construction of this geothermal energy system.
• Project Details: The funds will be used to create an aquifer-based geothermal system designed to provide heating and cooling to a new residence hall and welcome center at Macalester College.
• Future Expansion: The system will be designed with the potential to expand as a district heating and cooling plant that could serve all campus buildings located north of Grand Avenue.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The appropriation is made notwithstanding any restrictions in place from the referenced Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779 subdivision 1, paragraph j. This implies a specific exemption to allow for this allocation despite any existing laws that might otherwise limit such appropriations for this type of project.

Relevant Terms

geothermal energy system, aquifer-based, renewable development account, heating and cooling, district heating, renewable energy, Macalester College, funding appropriation.