SF2606

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to modify the allocation of funds for transportation projects under the Corridors of Commerce program in Minnesota. This aims to ensure a balanced distribution of funds across different regions of the state.

Main Provisions

• Regional Allocations: The bill specifies how funds should be allocated across different types of transportation projects. These include:

  1. Metro Projects: Projects located within or nearby the area bounded by Interstate Highways 494 and 694, which must receive at least 25% and no more than 27.5% of total funds.
  2. Metro Connector Projects: Projects not included in Metro Projects but located mainly within a greater metropolitan county, which must receive at least 35% and no more than 37.5% of total funds.
  3. Regional Center Projects: Projects not included in either Metro Projects or Metro Connector Projects, which must receive at least 35% and no more than 40% of total funds.

• Calculation Period: The percentages for fund distribution must be calculated using the total funds available over the current and the previous two consecutive project selection rounds. This includes readiness development projects.

Significant Changes

• The bill amends existing Minnesota Statutes by redefining the allocation percentages for transportation funding to ensure fair and regionally balanced distribution across Metro Projects, Metro Connector Projects, and Regional Center Projects.

Relevant Terms

• Transportation
• Corridors of Commerce program
• Metro Projects
• Metro Connector Projects
• Regional Center Projects
• Interstate Highways 494 and 694
• Regional balance
• Allocation of funds