HF608

Purpose

To fund the planning, design, and construction of a roundabout on marked U.S. Highway 8 in the city of Shafer, at its intersection with Chisago County State-Aid Highway 21, using state bond proceeds.

Main provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Appropriation

  • An amount of 3,500,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
  • The money is for environmental analysis, predesign, design engineering, and construction of the roundabout at the U.S. Highway 8/Chisago County State-Aid Highway 21 intersection in Shafer.
  • The appropriation covers the portion of the project eligible to use trunk highway bond proceeds.

• Subdivision 2 – Bond sale

  • The Commissioner of Management and Budget must sell and issue state bonds up to 3,500,000 to fund the appropriation.
  • Bond issuance must follow the procedures in Minnesota Statutes sections 167.50 to 167.52 and the Minnesota Constitution, Article XIV, Section 11.
  • Bond proceeds (excluding accrued interest and any premium) must be deposited into the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.

Relationship to existing law

• The bill specifies bonding and funding mechanisms that align with existing state statutes and constitutional provisions governing state bond issuance and trunk highway financing.

Significance and potential impact

• Creates a dedicated funding path for a specific transportation improvement in Shafer, using state debt instruments.
• Allocates funds for multiple project phases (environmental analysis through construction) and formalizes the bond-issuance process.

Practical takeaway

• If enacted, the project can move forward through planning and construction once bond proceeds are issued and work contracts are awarded, subject to standard state budgeting and procurement rules.

Relevant Terms - appropriation - bond proceeds account - trunk highway fund - environmental analysis - predesign - design engineering - construction - roundabout - U.S. Highway 8 - Chisago County State-Aid Highway 21 - Shafer - bonds / bond sale - Minnesota Statutes sections 167.50 to 167.52 - Minnesota Constitution Article XIV section 11