SF2148

Purpose

• The bill redirects state transportation funds to support safety improvements on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge by funding the design and construction of replacement pedestrian enclosures and suicide deterrent barriers. It aims to address suicide risk on this bridge on the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus.

Main Provisions

• Financial allocation: In fiscal year 2026, the Metropolitan Council must provide a grant of $15,000,000 to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
• Source of funds: The grant comes from revenue collected under Minnesota Statutes section 297A.9915 and allocated to the Metropolitan Council for active transportation purposes under Minnesota Statutes section 473.4465, subdivision 2, paragraph a, clause 1.
• Purpose of grant: The funds must be used to design and construct the replacement of the pedestrian enclosure and suicide deterrent barriers on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.
• Oversight and consultation: The Board of Regents must consult with individuals affected by suicide at the bridge, suicide prevention organizations, and experts in suicide prevention during the project’s design.
• Statutory authority: This allocation is made notwithstanding (i.e., outside of) Minnesota Statutes section 473.4465, subdivision 1.3.
• Compliance: The project must be designed and constructed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes section 135A.046.

Key Changes to Existing Law

• Redirects funds from the Metropolitan Council’s active transportation program to a targeted project at a specific bridge, bypassing a portion of the usual statutory allocation framework to prioritize suicide prevention barriers on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.
• Establishes formal consultation requirements with suicide prevention stakeholders as part of the design process.

Project Details and Scope

• Location: Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.
• Scope: Design and construction of the replacement pedestrian enclosure and suicide deterrent barriers.
• Timeline: Funding and implementation are tied to fiscal year 2026.
• Oversight: Involves consultation with people affected by suicide and relevant suicide prevention organizations and experts.

Potential Impacts

• Enhanced safety on a major campus pedestrian bridge by adding suicide deterrent barriers.
• Increased involvement of suicide prevention stakeholders in the design process.
• A targeted reallocation of transportation funds to a specific safety project, rather than broader active transportation initiatives.

Terminology Notes (for clarity)

• Suicide deterrent barriers
• Pedestrian enclosure
• Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
• University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus
• Metropolitan Council
• Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota
• Active transportation
• Notwithstanding (override of certain statutory provisions)
• Minnesota Statutes sections 297A.9915, 473.4465, 135A.046
• Fiscal year 2026

Relevant Terms

regional transportation sales and use tax Metropolitan Council active transportation Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge University of Minnesota Board of Regents $15,000,000 grant fiscal year 2026 design and construct pedestrian enclosure suicide deterrent barriers suicide prevention consultation notwithstanding Twin Cities campus Minnesota Statutes 297A.9915 Minnesota Statutes 473.4465 Minnesota Statutes 135A.046