HF959

Purpose

Provide funding through a capital investment appropriation to support the reconstruction of the interchange where Interstate Highway 94 intersects 1st Avenue in Freeport. The goal is to improve traffic flow, safety, and related infrastructure at that location.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation of 6,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of transportation for a grant to the city of Freeport. The funds will cover:
  • Reconstruction of the I-94 and 1st Avenue intersection.
  • Preliminary and final design engineering.
  • Permitting processes.
  • Demolition of the existing bridge over I-94.
  • Construction of a new interchange.
  • Other supporting infrastructure, including pedestrian safety, public utilities, and stormwater management.
• Exemption from certain state law requirements: This appropriation is exempt from Minnesota Statutes section 16A.86 subdivision 4.
• Bond financing: The money will be raised by selling and issuing state bonds up to 6,000,000. The bond sale will be conducted by the commissioner of management and budget under the terms of Minnesota statutes on bond finance and the state Constitution.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new capital investment appropriation specifically for the Freeport interchange project.
• Allows the use of bond proceeds to fund the project and authorizes bond issuance up to 6,000,000.
• Provides an exemption from a specified statutory requirement (16A.86, subdivision 4) for this appropriation.

Funding and Financing Details

• Source: Bond proceeds fund.
• Amount: 6,000,000.
• Use: Grant to the city of Freeport for design, permitting, demolition, construction, and related infrastructure.
• Finance method: Sale and issuance of state bonds by the state’s management and budgeting agencies, in accordance with state law and the state constitution.

Parties Involved

• City of Freeport (recipient of the grant for project work).
• Commissioner of Transportation (administers the grant and oversees project components).
• Commissioner of Management and Budget (responsible for issuing bonds to fund the project).

Impact and Considerations

• This is a transportation infrastructure project intended to improve safety and capacity at a key interchange.
• Funding comes entirely through state bonds and is dedicated to a single project in Freeport.
• Related design, permitting, and construction activities are covered, along with safety and utilities improvements.

Relevant Terms bond proceeds fund appropriation grant interchange Interstate Highway 94 (I-94) 1st Avenue (Freeport) demolition existing bridge new interchange design engineering permitting pedestrian safety public utilities stormwater management construction capital investment Minnesota Statutes section 16A.86 subdivision 4 bond sale commissioner of transportation commissioner of management and budget state bonds Minnesota Constitution article XI 16A.631 to 16A.675