HF 2428

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/22/2012 02:44pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; directing commissioners of transportation and
employment and economic development to study and report to the legislature
about economic development related to freight railroad operation; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 174.03, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 174.03, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1d. new text end

new text begin Statewide freight rail plan. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation, in
consultation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, shall
study the economic impact and development possibilities associated with freight railroads
in this state, and create a plan to maximize economic development directly and indirectly
related to the operations of freight railroads. The commissioner of transportation shall
adopt the plan as a component of the statewide freight and passenger rail plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation shall report by January 15, 2013, on the
study and plan to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance and over employment and
economic development. The report shall include any recommended legislative initiatives.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of transportation may expend money under section 222.50,
subdivision 7, to pay the costs of this study and report.
new text end