Subdivision 1.Approval by commissioner.

To the extent money is available, the commissioner may approve projects from applications submitted under section 123A.443. The grant money must be used only to acquire, construct, remodel or improve the building or site of a cooperative facility under contracts to be entered into within 15 months after the date on which each grant is awarded.

Subd. 2.Cooperation and consolidation.

Districts that have not already consolidated and receive a cooperative facilities grant shall:

(1) submit a consolidation plan under section 123A.48 for approval by the Department of Education; and

(2) hold a referendum on the question of consolidation no later than four years after a grant is awarded under subdivision 1.

The districts are eligible for consolidation revenue under section 123A.485.

Subd. 3.Consolidated districts.

A school district that has consolidated with another school district since July 1, 1980, is eligible for a cooperative facilities grant.