SF 582

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/06/2015 08:37am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; prohibiting certain uses of state resources for potential
mileage-based user fee; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 161.53.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 161.53, is amended to read:

161.53 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Research funding. new text end

(a) The commissioner may set aside in each fiscal
year up to two percent of the total amount of all funds appropriated to the commissioner
other than county state-aid and municipal state-aid highway funds for transportation
research including public and private research partnerships. The commissioner shall
spend this money for (1) research to improve the design, construction, maintenance,
management, and environmental compatibility of transportation systems, including
research into and implementation of innovations in bridge-monitoring technology and
bridge inspection technology; bridge inspection techniques and best practices; and the
cost-effectiveness of deferred or lower cost highway and bridge design and maintenance
activities and their impacts on long-term trunk highway costs and maintenance needs;
(2) research on transportation policies that enhance energy efficiency and economic
development; (3) programs for implementing and monitoring research results; and (4)
development of transportation education and outreach activities.

(b) Of all funds appropriated to the commissioner other than state-aid funds, the
commissioner shall spend at least 0.1 percent, but not exceeding $2,000,000 in any fiscal
year, for research and related activities performed by the Center for Transportation Studies
of the University of Minnesota. The center shall establish a technology transfer and
training center for Minnesota transportation professionals. By June 30, 2018, the center
shall conduct research on transportation policy and economic competitiveness, including,
but not limited to, innovative transportation finance options and economic development,
transportation impacts of industry clusters and freight, and transportation technology
impacts on economic competitiveness.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibitions; mileage-based user fee. new text end

new text begin The University of Minnesota and
the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall not utilize
state funds or resources, including but not limited to appropriations and funds provided
under subdivision 1, to:
new text end

new text begin (1) study, test, demonstrate, evaluate, or promote a potential mileage-based user fee,
or to contract for the performance of these prohibited activities; or
new text end

new text begin (2) provide funds including membership dues to any organization regularly engaging
in research or advocacy concerning mileage-based user fees, including but not limited
to the Mileage-Based User Fee Alliance.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end