SF5184

Purpose

This measure would provide funding for airport improvements at the Thief River Falls Airport. Specifically, it aims to help extend and move the runway, extend a taxiway, relocate the navigation aid (NAVAID) system, and reconstruct a portion of County StateAid Highway 17, with related supporting elements. The funding is targeted as a grant to the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Authority.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: The bill authorizes a cash grant of 10,300,000 from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of transportation for the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Authority. The grant is for acquiring property and for the runway extension project, taxiway extension, NAVAID relocation, and related highway work.
• Bond funding: The commissioner of management and budget is directed to sell and issue state bonds up to 10,300,000 to fund the appropriation, following Minnesota law and constitutional guidelines.

Funding and Financing Details

• Source of funds: Bond proceeds fund.
• Amount: Up to 10,300,000.
• Financing mechanism: Sale of state bonds to finance the appropriation.
• Legal framework: Bond issuance must adhere to Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4 to 7.

Affected Parties and Projects

• Primary recipient: Thief River Falls Regional Airport Authority.
• Projects funded: Property acquisition for runway extension/movement, construction of runway-related improvements, extension of a taxiway, relocation of the NAVAID system, and reconstruction of part of County StateAid Highway 17, with related supporting elements.

Significance and Potential Impact

• Policy goal: Invest in airport infrastructure to improve aviation capacity and safety, along with road/highway connections serving the airport.
• Legal/financial impact: Creates a state bond-funded appropriation and requires bond issuance by the state, subject to existing bond laws and constitutional provisions.
• Implementation: The project would be carried out under the oversight of the transportation department and related state agencies, with property acquisition and construction tied to the airport improvements.

Summary of Changes to Law

• No new permanent statutory changes are described beyond authorizing this specific appropriation and the related bond sale for the Thief River Falls Airport project. It formalizes funding and bonding steps to support airport and related highway improvements.

Relevant Terms - Thief River Falls Regional Airport Authority - runway extension - taxiway extension - NAVAID system (navigation aid) - County StateAid Highway 17 - bond proceeds fund - appropriation - capital investments - bonds / bond sale - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4 to 7