Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to secure funding for the replacement of the Randolph Avenue Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota. It aims to provide necessary financial resources for the planning, construction, and associated improvements of this infrastructure project.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill proposes an appropriation of $3,500,000 from the state transportation fund specifically from the bond proceeds account. The funds are designated for a grant to the city of St. Paul.
• Project Scope: This includes designing, acquiring right-of-way, and constructing a replacement for Bridge No. 7272 over the Union Pacific Railroad. Additionally, it will involve reconstructing and rehabilitating parts of Randolph Avenue, notably east of and through its intersection with CSAH 37 Shepard Road.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Key components of the project will cover several aspects like:
  • Railroad-related costs such as permitting, realignment, and profile modifications.
  • Structural needs like retaining walls, slope stabilization, and temporary access maintenance.
  • Public infrastructure enhancements including trails, sidewalks, signals, lighting, and utilities.
• Administrative and Technical Costs: Funding will also cover staff costs, project administration, engineering and inspection expenses.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill permits the sale and issuance of state bonds to finance this project, following the stipulations in Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution article XI sections 4 to 7. This represents an added financial commitment and facilitation mechanism for infrastructure improvements in St. Paul.

Relevant Terms

Randolph Avenue Bridge, St. Paul, state bonds, transportation fund, Union Pacific Railroad, infrastructure, public utilities, transportation project, engineering, right-of-way.