HF2234

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the requirements on how certain state and regional funds are used by metropolitan counties in Minnesota. These modifications seek to better define and allocate the funding received for transportation-related purposes.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocations:

  • Metropolitan counties must allocate the funds they receive in a specific manner:
  • A maximum of 41.5% of the funds can be used for active transportation and transportation corridor safety studies, as well as multimodal transportation purposes.
  • A minimum of 58.5% of the funds should be directed towards the repair, preservation, and rehabilitation of transportation systems. This includes roadway replacement for reconstructing, reclaiming, or modernizing corridors, but does not include increasing traffic capacity except for short auxiliary lanes.

• Use of Funds for Specific Purposes:

  • Funds allocated to active transportation can be used for:
  • Active transportation initiatives
  • Transportation corridor safety studies
  • Transit purposes, including operations, maintenance, and service provider assistance
  • Complete streets projects
  • Projects that involve mitigation or offset actions as outlined in a relevant section.

• Debt Service Use:

  • Counties can use funds for servicing debt related to obligations that are issued for allowable uses under this amendment, in accordance with existing state law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill adjusts the percentage allocations required for different transportation-related activities for metropolitan counties, specifying both maximum and minimum thresholds.
• It specifies that funds must supplement and not replace existing revenue sources for certain uses.
• Clarifies the acceptable uses for funds allocated to different types of transportation projects and operations.

Relevant Terms

• Metropolitan counties
• Active transportation
• Transportation corridor safety
• Multimodal transportation
• Roadway replacement
• Complete streets
• Transit operations and maintenance
• Debt service