SF1777

Purpose

• The bill provides funding to improve specific parts of the Casey Jones State Trail. It authorizes money to be used for engineering, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of two trail segments and creates a means to finance these costs through state bonds.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Appropriation: An amount of 3,150,000 dollars is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the Commissioner of Natural Resources. The funds are for engineering, reconstructing, and rehabilitating two segments of the Casey Jones State Trail: (1) the first three miles east from the Pipestone Trailhead (including the Pipestone Trailhead) and (2) the Currie Loop segment of the state trail.
• Subdivision 2 – Bond Sale: To provide the money appropriated, the Commissioner of Management and Budget must sell and issue state bonds up to 3,150,000 dollars. The bond issuance is to be conducted under Minnesota law (sections 16A.631 to 16A.675) and in accordance with the Minnesota Constitution Article XI (sections 4 to 7).

Funding Source and Authority

• The money comes from the bond proceeds fund, with the debt to be issued as bonds by the state. The process follows specified state statutes and Constitution provisions governing bond sales.

Relationship to Existing Law and Major Changes

• This bill adds a new capital investment expenditure specifically for two Casey Jones State Trail segments and creates a corresponding debt authority to finance the project. It does not alter other existing programs but establishes new borrowing and spending tied to these trail improvements.

Practical Impact

• The state would borrow up to $3.15 million to pay for engineering, reconstruction, and rehabilitation work on the two named trail segments, improving trail infrastructure and access.

Relevant Terms

• Casey Jones State Trail
• Pipestone Trailhead
• Currie Loop segment
• engineer
• reconstruct
• rehabilitate
• appropriation
• bond proceeds fund
• bonds
• Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675
• Minnesota Constitution Article XI
• debt issuance
• capital investment