Debt increase approved for potential armory upgrades, construction

A four-page bill only changes a “1” to a “4,” but it could triple the benefit.

“Basically what we’re asking is our credit card lender to increase our limit,” said Rep. Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont).

The Olson-sponsored HF1443 would increase the maximum bond indebtedness allowed for the State Armory Building Commission from $15 million to $45 million. The cap was last raised in 2000.

“This would be for purposes of building an armory or building an ADA ramp, some way of making sure facilities the National Guard uses here are up to par and safe for soldiers and civilians,” Olson said.

Approved Wednesday by the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division, the bill was sent to the full House.

Debt capacity available today is $9.9 million; however, that is expected to be insufficient for the state match for a 63,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in Anoka by 2032. The price tag is projected to be $58.4 million.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke is the adjutant general for the Minnesota National Guard.

“Generally when we build a new armory the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and the type of facility that it is. With the increase in armory costs this would allow us to move forward to procure new armories and modernizing our facilities,” he said.

[MORE: View the request presentation]

Olson emphasized this increase would not go against the state’s credit limit because it is a separate entity.

“This isn’t going to do anything other than to allow the Department of Military Affairs to bond for more money to get the money necessary to build or replace any of the necessary armories or facilities they manage.”