SF5055

Purpose

Provide funding to support the creation and operation of a Southeast Minnesota Transportation Management Organization to improve transportation options in the region.

What the bill would do

• Authorizes a grant of $900,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of transportation.
• The grant is for Southeast Service Cooperative to develop and implement a transportation management organization that offers services in the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
• The transportation management organization is intended to provide services related to transit and other forms of transportation.

Financial details

• Source: general fund.
• Amount: $900,000 (one-time).
• Availability: available for implementation costs, planning, and services related to transit and other transportation.
• Fiscal year: 2027.
• Duration: one-time appropriation; available until June 30, 2029.

Timing and use of funds

• The funds are for development and implementation activities, not ongoing operations.
• The appropriation is specifically designed to support a transportation management organization serving the listed counties.

Restrictions and limitations

• Not allowed to be used for administrative costs, despite any contrary provisions in Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14).

Affected area

• Southeast Minnesota, specifically the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.

Significant changes to existing law

• Establishes a new, one-time funding mechanism to create and implement a regional transportation management organization in Southeast Minnesota.
• Imposes a restriction that the funds cannot be used for administrative costs, mirroring a targeted use requirement rather than broad funding for operations.

Relevant terms - Southeast Minnesota Transportation Management Organization - Southeast Service Cooperative - grant - general fund - commissioner of transportation - transportation management organization (TMO) - transit - implementation costs - planning - Dodge County - Fillmore County - Freeborn County - Goodhue County - Houston County - Mower County - Olmsted County - Rice County - Steele County - Wabasha County - Winona County - one-time appropriation - June 30, 2029 - administrative costs - Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14 - fiscal year 2027