This bill proposes a new law in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 473, requiring municipal approval for certain transit guideway projects (excluding light rail transit). Key provisions include:

1. Public Hearing on Preliminary Design Plans – The Metropolitan Council must hold a public hearing on preliminary design plans before final design plans are prepared, ensuring affected parties have an opportunity to present their views.

2. Municipal Approval of Preliminary Plans – Before the public hearing, the council must submit plans to affected cities, counties, and towns. These local governments must hold their own public hearings and approve or disapprove the plans within 45 days. If they disapprove, they must suggest amendments that would make the project acceptable.

3. Second Public Hearing if Plans Are Disapproved – If any local government disapproves, the council must hold another public hearing, attempt to mediate disagreements, and decide on any necessary amendments.

4. Approval of Changes in Final Design Plans – If substantial changes are made to the project after preliminary approval, local governments must again approve or disapprove the modifications within 60 days.

5. Right to Revoke Approval – Local governments may revoke their approval at any time before the project secures federal funding, prompting a review process similar to the initial approval.

6. Prohibition on Federal Funding Requests Without Approval – The Metropolitan Council cannot apply for federal funds for a guideway project until all affected local governments have approved the plans.

This bill gives municipalities greater control over transit guideway planning in their jurisdictions and ensures local input is considered before a project proceeds to federal funding stages.