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Committee lays over bill to fund geothermal conversion at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Summary
Representative Hollins moved and the committee laid over House File 16 56, which seeks just over $2 million from the RDA to construct geothermal systems and LED/building controls at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory; proponents cited campus energy use, payback estimates and educational benefits.
A Minnesota House committee on March 18 laid over House File 16 56 after Representative Hollins described a request for just over $2 million from the Renewable Development Account (RDA) to construct geothermal systems and upgrade lighting and controls at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul.
Sponsor and testimony: Representative Hollins said the project would be a major step toward the City of St. Paul's net'zero goal and highlighted the conservatory and zoo as a high'energy campus. "Almost 25% of the energy usage is within the buildings that the city owns and manages. 25% of the energy is used in, the Como Zoo," Hollins said.
Erica Prosser, deputy director (interim director for Como Zoo and Conservatory), told the committee the campus currently relies on a failing 40'plus'year'old steam boiler and that a 2022 geothermal feasibility study identified favorable hydrogeology and per'building payback estimates ranging roughly three to nine years. The study estimated annual net utility savings per building between $42,000 and $438,000, Prosser said.
Willis Miley and Darcy (contractor for phase 1) were referenced earlier in the hearing describing geothermal performance and installations in schools; Como project testimony noted earlier feasibility work and partners including Xcel Energy. Proponents emphasized both operational savings and on'site educational opportunities: the site serves many visitors and students annually, and project sponsors said the conversion could be used to demonstrate clean energy systems to the public.
Committee action: Representative Hollins moved the bill, which was laid over for omnibus consideration. No roll-call vote totals were specified in the transcript. Committee members asked clarifying questions about phasing and scope; a St. Paul parks official said the big'cats building would be part of a new facility design where geothermal would be included.
Next steps: The project was left in the committee record for omnibus consideration; proponents asked authors and committee staff to include the request in energy omnibus negotiations and highlighted the project's educational and long'term operational savings.
