Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide financial support to transportation management organizations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It seeks to enhance transportation services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and promote public transportation.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocations:
  • The bill allocates $425,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $425,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the St. Paul Transportation Management Organization.
  • It also allocates $105,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $105,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization.
• Use of Funds:
  • The funding is intended for programming, service expansion, public education, and information dissemination efforts.
  • Key activities include staffing, communications, outreach, education, program development, and operations management.
• Grant Distribution:
  • The Minnesota Department of Transportation is instructed to distribute the full amounts by July 1 each year, without retaining any portion of the funds.
• One-Time Appropriations:
  • The funds allocated in this bill are one-time appropriations, meaning they are not intended for recurring budget support beyond the designated years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces new appropriations for the support of transportation management organizations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which is a change from previous funding allocations. This may enhance local transportation strategies aimed at reducing the number of car miles traveled in the metropolitan area.

Relevant Terms

• Transportation management organizations
• Vehicle miles traveled
• Public education and outreach
• Grant distributions
• Fiscal appropriations