SF3975
City of Byron intersection improvements along marked U.S Highway 14 bond issue and appropriation
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: HF3725
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- This bill aims to fund and authorize the planning and construction of upgraded intersections along marked U.S. Highway 14 in the city of Byron (Olmsted County) by replacing existing at-grade intersections with grade-separated interchanges. It covers environmental analysis, design work, potential right-of-way acquisition, and construction of the interchanges and related infrastructure. It also authorizes the sale of state bonds to pay for these activities.
Main Provisions
Section 1: General Obligation Bond Proceeds
- Appropriation: $5,600,000 is allocated from the bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund.
- Eligible recipients: City of Byron, Olmsted County, or both.
- Use of funds: To cover city/county shares of bond-eligible portions for environmental analysis, predesign, final design, and related work to replace at-grade intersections and traffic signals with grade-separated interchanges on U.S. Highway 14. This includes intersections with Olmsted County StateAid Highway 3 and StateAid Highway 5 in Byron.
- Remaining funds: Any amount left after substantial completion of design work may be used for right-of-way acquisition and to construct, furnish, and equip the interchanges and related infrastructure.
- Bond financing: The Commissioner of Management and Budget will issue general obligation bonds up to $5,600,000, following state law and constitutional provisions, as requested by the Commissioner of Transportation.
Section 2: Trunk Highway Bond Proceeds
- Appropriation: $2,400,000 is allocated from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund for trunk highway bond-eligible portions of the same project (environmental analysis, predesign, final design) to replace at-grade intersections with grade-separated interchanges on U.S. Highway 14 in Byron.
- Remaining funds: Any amount left after design work may be used for the state’s share to acquire right-of-way and to construct, furnish, and equip interchanges and related infrastructure.
- Bond financing: The Commissioner of Management and Budget will issue trunk highway bonds up to $2,400,000, under specific state statutes and constitutional provisions, as requested by the Commissioner of Transportation.
- Proceeds handling: Bond proceeds (excluding accrued interest and any premium) must be deposited into the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
What Changes or Additions This Bill Creates
- Creates explicit funding and bonding authority to plan and build grade-separated interchanges on U.S. Highway 14 in Byron.
- Establishes two funding streams (general obligation bond proceeds and trunk highway bond proceeds) to cover the environmental analysis, design work, and potential construction.
- Allows remaining funds after planning and design to be used for right-of-way acquisition and actual construction of the interchanges.
- Requires bond sale and management by the appropriate state agencies under existing statutes and constitutional provisions.
Affected Parties and Places
- City: Byron
- County: Olmsted County
- Intersections involved: U.S. Highway 14 intersections with Olmsted County StateAid Highway 3 and Olmsted County StateAid Highway 5
- Agencies: Minnesota Department of Transportation (commissioner of transportation); Commissioner of Management and Budget
Significance
- The bill advances a major highway safety and capacity project by converting at-grade signalized intersections into grade-separated interchanges, potentially improving traffic flow and safety on a key corridor.
- It formalizes funding mechanisms through two bond programs and outlines the process for environmental analysis, design, and construction phases.
Timeline and Process (Summary)
- Start of planning and design activities funded by bond proceeds.
- Conduct environmental analysis, predesign, and final design work.
- If funds remain after design work, use for right-of-way acquisition and construction.
- Issue bonds in the amounts specified (up to $5.6 million general obligation; up to $2.4 million trunk highway) as requested by transportation officials.
Relevant Terms - U.S. Highway 14, Byron, Olmsted County - Grade-separated interchanges - At-grade intersections - Environmental analysis - Predesign - Final design - Right-of-way - Bond proceeds account - State transportation fund - Trunk highway fund - General obligation bonds - Bond sale - Commissioner of Transportation - Commissioner of Management and Budget - Olmsted County StateAid Highway 3 - Olmsted County StateAid Highway 5 - City of Byron - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution article XI - Minnesota Constitution article XIV
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Transportation |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cites the authority and process for bonding under Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 related to the transportation project funding and bond issuance.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited as constitutional authority governing bond issuance or related financial actions for the project.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Minnesota Constitution article XI sections 4 to 7",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cites the statutes governing trunk highway bond sales and related procedures.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Minnesota Statutes sections 167.50 to 167.52",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited as constitutional authorization for the issuance of trunk highway bonds.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Minnesota Constitution article XIV section 11",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee