SF5203

Purpose

This bill would fund Washington Avenue safety improvements in Minneapolis by providing a grant to Hennepin County for design, engineering, and reconstruction work on a nearby county road project. It uses state bond financing to cover the cost.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Appropriation: The bill appropriates $6,500,000 from the bond proceeds account to the state transportation fund. The funds are for a grant to Hennepin County to design, engineer, and reconstruct County Road 152 in Minneapolis, specifically between the I-35W southbound ramps and 3rd Street South.
• Subdivision 2 – Bond Sale: The money appropriated may be provided via sale and issuance of state bonds up to $6,500,000. Bonding would follow the terms and effects set by Minnesota statutes and the state constitution (Article XI, sections 4–7; Minn. Stat. §§ 16A.631 to 16A.675).

How it Works (Relation to Existing Law)

• The appropriation is described as coming from the bond proceeds account and used through the state transportation fund, per Minnesota Statutes section 174.50.
• The bond issuance would be governed by Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution (Article XI).

Impact and Significance

• Provides funding and a financing mechanism to advance infrastructure improvements tied to Washington Avenue safety in Minneapolis.
• Shifts project funding to bond-financed capital investment rather than a direct draw from the general fund, with the state issuing bonds to raise the necessary money.

Significance Changes to Law

• Creates explicit authorization to sell and issue bonds up to $6.5 million for this project, and links the funding to the state transportation fund and bond proceeds account under existing statutory and constitutional frameworks.

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Relevant Terms Washington Avenue safety improvements Hennepin County County Road 152 Minneapolis I-35W southbound ramps 3rd Street South design engineering reconstruction grant state transportation fund bond proceeds account appropriation bonds sale and issuance of bonds Minnesota Statutes section 174.50 Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 Minnesota Constitution Article XI, sections 4–7