This bill proposes the establishment of a "Resilient Pavement Program" in Minnesota, aimed at enhancing the durability and cost-effectiveness of pavement in certain trunk highway projects. Here are the key points simplified:

1. Definitions and Key Terms:

   • Baseline project: A trunk highway project with its original pavement design life.
   • Modified project: A trunk highway project with an extended pavement design life funded by this program.
   • Pavement cost: Estimated total cost for pavement construction conforming to standard specifications.

2. Purpose of the Program:

   • To provide additional funding to extend the lifespan of pavement designs in trunk highway projects, emphasizing long-term cost savings.

3. Program Details:

   • Projects eligible for funding must be related to trunk highway construction and included in the state’s current or previous transportation planning documents. The projects should initially have a design life of 20 years or less and aim for a new design life of at least 50 years.
   • A project's cost-effectiveness will be assessed based on the ratio of the cost and design life of the baseline project compared to the modified project.

4. Funding:

   • The program allows for covering up to 110% of the difference in anticipated pavement costs between the modified and baseline projects.
   • A portion of the funds is specifically allocated to projects in the metropolitan district of the Department of Transportation.

5. Public Information:

   • Details about the program, including selected projects and their outcomes, will be made available on the Department of Transportation’s website.

6. Budget:

   • $150 million is appropriated for the fiscal year 2027 for this program, and these funds are available until June 30, 2035.

In essence, this legislative bill sets up a funding mechanism to improve the durability of highway pavements across Minnesota, ensuring that they last longer and are ultimately more economical. The aim is not just to fix roads but to make smarter investments in infrastructure that save money over time.