SF1545

The bill S.F. No. 1545 relates to transportation issues in Minnesota. It includes provisions for reallocating funds previously earmarked for a rail project, as well as for conducting a study on intercity bus service. Specifically:

1. Cancellation of Appropriation for Northern Lights Express: The bill proposes to cancel any unspent funds from a prior appropriation for the Northern Lights Express, a planned passenger rail line between Minneapolis and Duluth. The unspent amount, estimated at around $194 million, will be returned to the general fund.

2. Intercity Bus Study: There is an appropriation from the general fund in the amount of money set aside in fiscal year 2026 for the Minnesota Department of Transportation to conduct a study on intercity bus service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Duluth. The study will analyze existing transportation demand and service levels, consider possible improvements to intercity bus services, estimate costs and potential revenues, and identify any barriers or risks to enhancing bus services. Finally, it will provide recommendations on the feasibility of these improvements.

3. Reporting Requirements: The results of the study are required to be submitted to relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2026, to inform future transportation finance and policy decisions.

In simple terms, this bill intends to reallocate funding from a halted train project to study and potentially improve bus transportation between two major cities in Minnesota.