HF 3761

5th Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; authorizing sale of trunk highway bonds for capital
improvements related to transportation; establishing transit fund and accounts;
providing for treatment and allocation of tax proceeds related to motor vehicles;
modifying proposed amendment to Minnesota Constitution and its proposed
ballot question; setting certain court deadlines and procedures; modifying
provisions relating to the town bridge account, town road construction and
maintenance, old automobile liens, public highway contracts, allowable vehicle
weights on highways, tow truck operators, impounded vehicles, highway
signs, motorized golf carts, area transportation partnerships, the rail service
improvement account, the tax attributable to fuel used by all-terrain vehicles, and
a connector highway agreement; repealing authority for future toll facilities;
requiring studies and reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2004, sections 16A.88; 161.082, subdivision 2a; 161.315, by adding
a subdivision; 168B.06, subdivision 1; 168B.07, by adding a subdivision;
169.06, subdivision 2; 169.823, subdivision 1; 169.824, subdivision 1; 169.829,
subdivision 2; 169.86, by adding a subdivision; 169.87, subdivision 2; 222.50,
subdivisions 6, 7; 296A.18, subdivision 4; 297A.94; 297B.09, subdivision
1; 471.345, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement,
sections 168A.20, subdivision 5; 169.01, subdivision 78; 169.81, subdivision 3c;
169.824, subdivision 2; 297A.815, by adding a subdivision; 469.322; 469.323,
subdivision 2; Laws 2005, chapter 88, article 3, sections 9; 10; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 160; 167; 174; repealing Minnesota
Statutes 2004, sections 160.84; 160.85; 160.86; 160.87; 160.88; 160.89; 160.90;
160.91; 160.92.

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

ARTICLE 1

TRANSPORTATION FINANCE

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the column under "APPROPRIATIONS" are appropriated from
the general fund, or another named fund, to the state agencies or officials indicated, to be
spent for the purposes indicated, for fiscal year 2007. These appropriations are in addition
to those in Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 6.
new text end

new text begin SUMMARY new text end
new text begin TRANSPORTATION new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 121,228,000 new text end
new text begin ADMINISTRATION new text end		new text begin 10,161,000 new text end
new text begin FINANCE new text end		new text begin 41,000 new text end
new text begin TOTAL new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 131,430,000 new text end

new text begin Summary by Fund new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway Bond Proceeds Account new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 43,430,000 new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway Fund new text end		new text begin 88,000,000 new text end
new text begin TOTAL new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 131,430,000 new text end

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin TRANSPORTATION new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin To the commissioner of transportation for the purposes specified in this section: new text end

new text begin 121,228,000 new text end

new text begin Summary by Fund new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway Bond Proceeds Account new text end		new text begin 33,228,000 new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway Fund new text end		new text begin 88,000,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Infrastructure investment support new text end

new text begin 5,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the trunk highway
fund for program delivery related to projects
identified in the federal High Priority Projects
Program, and is added to appropriations in
Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter
6, article 1, section 2. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin State road construction new text end

new text begin 83,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the trunk highway
fund, and is added to appropriations in Laws
2005, First Special Session chapter 6, article
1, section 2, for the actual construction,
reconstruction, and improvement of trunk
highways, including design-build contracts
and consultant usage to support these
activities. This includes the cost of actual
payments to landowners for lands acquired
for highway rights-of-way, payments to
lessees, interest subsidies, and relocation
expenses. Of this amount, $50,000,000 may
only be used for projects identified in the
federal High Priority Projects Program. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Mankato headquarters new text end

new text begin 18,228,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund to design,
construct, furnish, and equip a new district
headquarters facility in Mankato.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Trunk highway program delivery new text end

new text begin 15,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund for
program delivery and for the cost of actual
payments to landowners for lands acquired
for highway rights-of-way, payments to
lessees, interest subsidies, and relocation
expenses.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin ADMINISTRATION new text end

new text begin Exterior renovation of transportation building new text end

new text begin 10,161,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the commissioner
of administration from the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund to
renovate the exterior of the Department of
Transportation Building at 395 John Ireland
Boulevard in St. Paul.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin FINANCE new text end

new text begin Bond sale expenses new text end

new text begin 41,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the commissioner
of finance from the bond proceeds account
in the trunk highway fund for bond sale
expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.641, subdivision 8.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin BOND SALE AUTHORIZATION.
new text end

new text begin To provide the money appropriated in this article from the bond proceeds account in
the trunk highway fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state
in an amount up to $43,430,000 in the manner, on the terms, and with the effect prescribed
by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52, and by the Minnesota Constitution,
article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts requested by the commissioner
of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium
received on the sale of the bonds, must be credited to the bond proceeds account in the
trunk highway fund.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 16A.88, is amended to read:

16A.88 TRANSIT deleted text begin FUNDS deleted text end new text begin FUND new text end .

Subdivision 1.

Greater Minnesota transit deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end .

The greater Minnesota
transit deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end is established within the deleted text begin state treasury deleted text end new text begin transit fund new text end . Money in the deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin
account new text end is annually appropriated to the commissioner of transportation for assistance to
transit systems outside the metropolitan area under section 174.24. deleted text begin Beginning in fiscal
year 2003, deleted text end The commissioner may use up to $400,000 each year for administration of the
transit program. The commissioner shall use the deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end for transit operations as
provided in section 174.24 and related program administration.

Subd. 2.

Metropolitan area transit deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end .

The metropolitan area transit
deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end is established within the deleted text begin state treasury deleted text end new text begin transit fund new text end . All money in the deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin
account new text end is annually appropriated to the Metropolitan Council for the funding of transit
systems within the metropolitan area under sections 473.384, 473.387, 473.388, and
473.405 to 473.449.

deleted text begin Subd. 3. deleted text end

deleted text begin Metropolitan area transit appropriation account. deleted text end

deleted text begin The metropolitan
area transit appropriation account is established within the general fund. Money in the
account is to be used for the funding of transit systems in the metropolitan area, subject to
legislative appropriation.
deleted text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Transit fund. new text end

new text begin A transit fund is established within the state treasury. The
fund receives money distributed under section 297B.09, and other money as specified by
law. Money in the fund must be allocated to the greater Minnesota transit account under
subdivision 1 and the metropolitan area transit account under subdivision 2, and must be
used for transit purposes.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon adoption of the constitutional
amendment proposed in Laws 2005, chapter 88, article 3, section 9, as amended by this
act, by the people at the 2006 general election.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.815, is amended by adding
a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Deposit of revenues. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, money
collected and received under this section must be deposited in the same manner and in the
same proportions as provided for revenues collected under chapter 297B.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective beginning with revenues collected
and remitted on and after July 1, 2007.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.94, is amended to read:

297A.94 DEPOSIT OF REVENUES.

(a) Except as provided in this section, the commissioner shall deposit the revenues,
including interest and penalties, derived from the taxes imposed by this chapter in the state
treasury and credit them to the general fund.

(b) The commissioner shall deposit taxes in the Minnesota agricultural and economic
account in the special revenue fund if:

(1) the taxes are derived from sales and use of property and services purchased for
the construction and operation of an agricultural resource project; and

(2) the purchase was made on or after the date on which a conditional commitment
was made for a loan guaranty for the project under section 41A.04, subdivision 3.

The commissioner of finance shall certify to the commissioner the date on which the
project received the conditional commitment. The amount deposited in the loan guaranty
account must be reduced by any refunds and by the costs incurred by the Department of
Revenue to administer and enforce the assessment and collection of the taxes.

(c) The commissioner shall deposit the revenues, including interest and penalties,
derived from the taxes imposed on sales and purchases included in section 297A.61,
subdivision 3, paragraph (g), clauses (1) and (4), in the state treasury, and credit them
as follows:

(1) first to the general obligation special tax bond debt service account in each fiscal
year the amount required by section 16A.661, subdivision 3, paragraph (b); and

(2) after the requirements of clause (1) have been met, the balance to the general
fund.

(d) The commissioner shall deposit the revenues, including interest and penalties,
collected under section 297A.64, subdivision 5, in the state treasury and credit them to the
general fund. By July 15 of each year the commissioner shall transfer to the highway user
tax distribution fund an amount equal to the excess fees collected under section 297A.64,
subdivision 5, for the previous calendar year.

(e) For fiscal year 2001, 97 percent; for fiscal years 2002 and 2003, 87 percent; and
for fiscal year 2004 and thereafter, 72.43 percent of the revenues, including interest and
penalties, transmitted to the commissioner under section 297A.65, must be deposited by
the commissioner in the state treasury as follows:

(1) 50 percent of the receipts must be deposited in the heritage enhancement account
in the game and fish fund, and may be spent only on activities that improve, enhance, or
protect fish and wildlife resources, including conservation, restoration, and enhancement
of land, water, and other natural resources of the state;

(2) 22.5 percent of the receipts must be deposited in the natural resources fund, and
may be spent only for state parks and trails;

(3) 22.5 percent of the receipts must be deposited in the natural resources fund, and
may be spent only on metropolitan park and trail grants;

(4) three percent of the receipts must be deposited in the natural resources fund, and
may be spent only on local trail grants; and

(5) two percent of the receipts must be deposited in the natural resources fund,
and may be spent only for the Minnesota Zoological Garden, the Como Park Zoo and
Conservatory, and the Duluth Zoo.

(f) The revenue dedicated under paragraph (e) may not be used as a substitute
for traditional sources of funding for the purposes specified, but the dedicated revenue
shall supplement traditional sources of funding for those purposes. Land acquired with
money deposited in the game and fish fund under paragraph (e) must be open to public
hunting and fishing during the open season, except that in aquatic management areas or
on lands where angling easements have been acquired, fishing may be prohibited during
certain times of the year and hunting may be prohibited. At least 87 percent of the money
deposited in the game and fish fund for improvement, enhancement, or protection of fish
and wildlife resources under paragraph (e) must be allocated for field operations.

new text begin (g) The revenues, including interest and penalties, collected under section 297A.815
must be deposited by the commissioner as provided for in that section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective beginning with revenues collected
and remitted on and after July 1, 2007.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Laws 2005, chapter 88, article 3, section 9, is amended to read:

Sec. 9. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED.

An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the
amendment is adopted, two sections will be added to article XIV to read:

Sec. 12. Beginning with the fiscal year starting July 1, 2007, 63.75 percent of
the revenue from a tax imposed by the state on the sale of a new or used motor vehicle
must be apportioned for the transportation purposes described in section 13, then the
revenue apportioned for transportation purposes must be increased by ten percent for each
subsequent fiscal year through June 30, 2011, and then the revenue must be apportioned
100 percent for transportation purposes after June 30, 2011.

Sec. 13. The revenue apportioned in section 12 must be allocated for the following
transportation purposes: deleted text begin not more than deleted text end 60 percent must be deposited in the highway user
tax distribution fund, and deleted text begin not less than deleted text end 40 percent must be deposited in a fund dedicated
solely to public transit assistance as defined by law.

Sec. 10.

Laws 2005, chapter 88, article 3, section 10, is amended to read:

Sec. 10. SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.

The constitutional amendment proposed in section deleted text begin 12 deleted text end new text begin 9 new text end must be presented to the
people at the 2006 general election. The question submitted must be:

deleted text begin "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to dedicate revenue from a tax on the
sale of new and used motor vehicles over a five-year period, so that after June 30, 2011, all
of the revenue is dedicated at least 40 percent for public transit assistance and not more
than 60 percent for highway purposes? deleted text end new text begin "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended so
that after June 30, 2011, all of the revenues from the existing tax on the sale of new and
used motor vehicles are dedicated to highways and public transit?
new text end

	Yes .......
	No ........"

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 11. new text begin BALLOT PLACEMENT.
new text end

new text begin The secretary of state shall place as the first question on the ballot at the 2006
general election the constitutional amendment proposed in Laws 2005, chapter 88, article
3, section 10, as amended by this act.
new text end

Sec. 12. new text begin ACTION CONCERNING BALLOT QUESTION.
new text end

new text begin If a court determines that the 2006 Legislature does not have authority to amend the
proposed constitutional amendment under Laws 2005, chapter 88, article 3, section 9, as
amended by this act, then it is the intent of the 2006 Legislature that the change to the
ballot question under article 1, section 10 of this act nonetheless takes effect.
new text end

Sec. 13. new text begin ACTION CONCERNING PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT.
new text end

new text begin Any action brought for declaratory or injunctive relief concerning a proposed
amendment to the state constitution that relates to distribution of motor vehicle sales tax
revenue, or concerning the related question, to be submitted to the people at the 2006
general election, must be filed with any judge of the Supreme Court within 30 days after
adjournment of the 84th legislative session. The Supreme Court shall advance the matter
on the docket and expedite to the greatest possible extent the final disposition of the action,
which must occur no later than four weeks before the state general election.
new text end

Sec. 14. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Except as specifically provided otherwise, this article is effective July 1, 2006.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

TRUNK HIGHWAY BONDING

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the column under "APPROPRIATIONS" are appropriated from
the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund to the state agencies or officials
indicated, to be spent for the purposes indicated.
new text end

new text begin SUMMARY new text end
new text begin TRANSPORTATION new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 2,485,000,000 new text end
new text begin FINANCE new text end		new text begin 2,485,000 new text end
new text begin TOTAL new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 2,487,485,000 new text end

new text begin Summary by Fund new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway Bond Proceeds Account new text end		new text begin 2,487,485,000 new text end

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin TRANSPORTATION new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin To the commissioner of transportation for the purposes specified in this section: new text end

new text begin 2,485,000,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Trunk highway program delivery new text end

new text begin 35,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund for
program delivery and for the cost of actual
payments to landowners for lands acquired
for highway rights-of-way, payments to
lessees, interest subsidies, and relocation
expenses.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Trunk highway construction new text end

new text begin 2,450,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund for the
actual construction, reconstruction, and
improvement of trunk highways. This
includes the cost of actual payments to
landowners for lands acquired for highway
rights-of-way, payments to lessees, interest
subsidies, and relocation expenses. The
commissioner of transportation may use up
to $375,000,000 of this appropriation for
program delivery.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin FINANCE new text end
new text begin Bond sale expenses new text end						new text begin 2,485,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the commissioner
of finance from the bond proceeds account
in the trunk highway fund for bond sale
expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.641, subdivision 8, and section 167.50,
subdivision 4.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [167.515] MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX COLLECTION ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of finance shall maintain in the trunk highway fund a separate
account designated as the Minnesota motor vehicle sales tax collection account. Money in
the account consists of proceeds allocated to the account from the motor vehicles sales tax
under section 297B.09. Money from the account may be spent for debt service incurred
pursuant to section 2, subdivisions 2 and 3.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Deposit of revenues.

(a) Money collected and received under this
chapter must be deposited as provided in this subdivision.

(b) deleted text begin From July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2003, 32 percent of the money collected and
received must be deposited in the highway user tax distribution fund, 20.5 percent must be
deposited in the metropolitan area transit fund under section 16A.88, and 1.25 percent
must be deposited in the greater Minnesota transit fund under section 16A.88. The
remaining money must be deposited in the general fund. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end From July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2007, 30 percent deleted text begin of the money collected and
received deleted text end must be deposited in the highway user tax distribution fund, 21.5 percent must be
deposited in the metropolitan area transit deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end under section 16A.88, 1.43 percent
must be deposited in the greater Minnesota transit deleted text begin fund deleted text end new text begin account new text end under section 16A.88,
0.65 percent must be deposited in the county state-aid highway fund, and 0.17 percent
must be deposited in the municipal state-aid street fund. The remaining money must
be deposited in the general fund.

deleted text begin (d) On and after deleted text end new text begin (c) From new text end July 1, 2007, deleted text begin 32 deleted text end new text begin to June 30, 2008, 38.25 new text end percent deleted text begin of the
money collected and received deleted text end must be deposited in the highway user tax distribution
fund, deleted text begin 20.5 percent must be deposited in the metropolitan area transit fund under section
16A.88, deleted text end and percent must be deposited in the deleted text begin greater Minnesota deleted text end transit fund
under section 16A.88. The remaining money must be deposited in the general fund. new text begin Of
the amount from this paragraph deposited in the trunk highway fund, 16.5 percent must be
deposited in the motor vehicle sales tax collection account established in section 167.515.
new text end

new text begin (d) From July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, 44.25 percent must be deposited in the
highway user tax distribution fund, and 29.5 percent must be deposited in the transit fund.
The remaining money must be deposited in the general fund. Of the amount from this
paragraph deposited in the trunk highway fund, 27.5 percent must be deposited in the
motor vehicle sales tax collection account established in section 167.515.
new text end

new text begin (e) From July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, 50.25 percent must be deposited in the
highway user tax distribution fund, and 33.5 percent must be deposited in the transit fund.
The remaining money must be deposited in the general fund. Of the amount from this
paragraph deposited in the trunk highway fund, 36.5 percent must be deposited in the
motor vehicle sales tax collection account established in section 167.515.
new text end

new text begin (f) From July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, 56.25 percent must be deposited in the
highway user tax distribution fund, and 37.5 percent must be deposited in the transit fund.
The remaining money must be deposited in the general fund. Of the amount from this
paragraph deposited in the trunk highway fund, 43 percent must be deposited in the motor
vehicle sales tax collection account established in section 167.515.
new text end

new text begin (g) On and after July 1, 2011, 60 percent must be deposited in the highway user tax
distribution fund, and 40 percent must be deposited in the transit fund. Of the amount
from this paragraph deposited in the trunk highway fund, 46.7 percent must be deposited
in the motor vehicle sales tax collection account established in section 167.515.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin BOND SALE AUTHORIZATION.
new text end

new text begin To provide the money appropriated in this article from the bond proceeds account
in the trunk highway fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of
the state in an amount up to $2,487,485,000 in the manner, on the terms, and with the
effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52, and by the Minnesota
Constitution, article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts requested by the
commissioner of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and
any premium received on the sale of the bonds, must be credited to the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective upon adoption of the constitutional amendment proposed
in Laws 2005, chapter 88, article 3, section 9, as amended by this act, by the people at
the 2006 general election.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Section 1.

new text begin [160.94] TOLL FACILITIES PROHIBITED.
new text end

new text begin Neither the commissioner nor a road authority may impose or authorize the
imposition of a toll for the use of a bridge, highway, or highway lane, except for:
new text end

new text begin (1) a bridge connecting a highway with an adjacent state or province; or
new text end

new text begin (2) any highway or highway lane having a toll imposed on or before July 1, 2006,
under section 160.93.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 161.082, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Town bridges and culverts; town road account.

(a) Money in the
town bridge account must be expended on town road bridge structures that are ten feet
or more in length and on town road culverts that replace existing town road bridges. In
addition, if the present bridge structure is less than ten feet in length but a hydrological
survey indicates that the replacement bridge structure or culvert must be ten feet or more
in length, then the bridge or culvert is eligible for replacement funds.

(b) In addition, if a culvert that replaces a deficient bridge is in a county
comprehensive water plan approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the
Department of Natural Resources, the costs of the culvert and roadway grading other than
surfacing are eligible for replacement funds up to the cost of constructing a replacement
bridge.

(c) The expenditures on a bridge structure or culvert may be paid from the county
turnback account and may be for 100 percent of the cost of the replacement structure or
culvert or for 100 percent of the cost of rehabilitating the existing structure.

(d) The town bridge account may be used to pay the costs to abandon an existing
bridge that is deficient and in need of replacement, but where no replacement will be
made. It may also be used to pay the costs to construct a road or street to facilitate the
abandonment of an existing bridge determined by the commissioner to be deficient, if the
commissioner determines that construction of the road or street is more cost efficient
than replacing the existing bridge.

(e) When bridge approach construction work exceeds $10,000 in costs, or when
the county engineer determines that the cost of the replacement culverts alone will not
exceed $20,000, or engineering costs exceed $10,000, the town shall be eligible for
financial assistance from the town bridge account. Financial assistance shall be requested
by resolution of the county board and shall be limited to:

(1) 100 percent of the cost of the bridge approach work that is in excess of $10,000;

(2) 100 percent of the cost of the replacement culverts when the cost does not
exceed $20,000 and the town board agrees to be responsible for all the other costs, which
may include costs for structural removal, installation, and permitting. The replacement
structure design and costs shall be approved and certified by the county engineer, but need
not be subsequently approved by the Department of Transportation; or

(3) 100 percent of all related engineering costs that exceed $10,000, or in the case
of towns with a net tax capacity of less than deleted text begin $200,000 deleted text end new text begin $300,000 new text end , 100 percent of the
engineering costs.

(f) Money in the town road account must be distributed as provided in section
162.081.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2006.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 161.315, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Minnesota based companies. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall award a public
contract made for construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of a road to a Minnesota
based company when: (1) the public contract is at least $150,000,000; and (2) the total
contractual obligation of the state for the entire project is at least $200,000,000.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "Minnesota based company" means a business,
corporation, association, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity formed to do
business as a contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier, whose principal place from
which the trade or business is directed or managed is in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (c) Nothing in this subdivision restricts an award for a public contract when the
conditions under paragraph (a) are not met.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 168A.20, subdivision 5, is
amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Satisfaction of automobile lien seven years old; release.

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end A security
interest perfected under this chapter deleted text begin expires deleted text end new text begin may be canceled new text end seven years from the
perfection date for a passenger automobile, as defined in section 168.011, subdivision
7 new text begin , upon the request of the owner of the passenger automobile, if the owner has paid the
lien in full and is unable to locate the lienholder to obtain a lien release. At a minimum,
the owner must send a letter to the lienholder by certified mail, return receipt requested,
requesting a lien release. If the owner is unable to obtain a lien release by sending a
letter by certified mail, then the owner must present to the department or its agent the
returned letter as evidence of the attempted contact. This subdivision applies only to
vehicle owners who are individuals new text end .

deleted text begin (b) A lien holder may notify the department in writing or in a format approved by
the department during the sixth year of the lien, no later than 90 days in advance of the
seven-year anniversary, if the lien will not be satisfied during this registration period and
the lien must be extended up to seven additional years as requested by the lien holder.
deleted text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 168B.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Contents; notice given within five days.

When an impounded
vehicle is taken into custody, the unit of government or impound lot operator taking it
into custody shall give notice new text begin to the registered vehicle owner and any lienholders new text end of the
taking within five days. The notice shall new text begin :
new text end

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end set forth the date and place of the taking, the year, make, model and serial
number of the impounded motor vehicle if such information can be reasonably obtained
and the place where the vehicle is being held deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end inform the new text begin registered vehicle new text end owner and any lienholders of their right to
reclaim the vehicle under section 168B.07 deleted text begin , and deleted text end new text begin ; new text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end state that failure of the owner or lienholders to exercise their right to reclaim
the vehicle deleted text begin and contents deleted text end within the appropriate time allowed under section 168B.051,
subdivision 1, 1a, or 2, shall be deemed a waiver by them of all right, title, and interest in
the vehicle and new text begin remaining new text end contents and a consent to the transfer of title to and disposal or
sale of the vehicle and new text begin remaining new text end contents pursuant to section 168B.08 deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (4) state: "You, the registered owner, have the right to pick up your contents from
your vehicle, whether or not you give up the right to reclaim your vehicle."
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 168B.07, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Retrieval of contents. new text end

new text begin A unit of government or impound lot operator
may establish a reasonable procedure for retrieval of vehicle contents. At any time
before the expiration of the waiting periods provided in section 168B.051, subdivision
1, 1a, or 2, the owner of an impounded vehicle has the right to retrieve, without charge,
any and all contents. For the purposes of this subdivision, "contents" means all personal
belongings and does not include any permanently affixed mechanical or nonmechanical:
(i) automobile parts; (ii) automobile body parts; or (iii) automobile accessories, including
audio or video players.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 169.01, subdivision 78, is
amended to read:

Subd. 78.

Recreational vehicle combination.

(a) "Recreational vehicle
combination" means a combination of vehicles consisting of a pickup truck as defined
in section 168.011, subdivision 29, attached by means of a fifth-wheel coupling to a
camper-semitrailer which has hitched to it a trailer carrying a watercraft as defined in
section 86B.005, subdivision 18; off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 84.787,
subdivision 7; motorcycle; motorized bicycle; snowmobile as defined in section 84.81,
subdivision 3; all-terrain vehicle as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 8; new text begin motorized golf
cart; new text end or equestrian equipment or supplies.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision:

(1) A "fifth-wheel coupling" is a coupling between a camper-semitrailer and a
towing pickup truck in which a portion of the weight of the camper-semitrailer is carried
over or forward of the rear axle of the towing pickup.

(2) A "camper-semitrailer" is a trailer, other than a manufactured home as defined in
section 327B.01, subdivision 13, designed for human habitation and used for vacation or
recreational purposes for limited periods.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Placement and maintenance on trunk highway.

(a) The commissioner
shall place and maintain such traffic-control devices, conforming to the manual and
specifications, upon all state trunk highways as the commissioner shall deem necessary to
indicate and to carry out the provisions of this chapter or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
The commissioner may construct and maintain signs at the entrance of each city, which
sign shall have placed thereon the name of the city and the population thereof new text begin , and for each
eligible city an additional sign or signs as described in paragraph (c) new text end . The commissioner
may construct and maintain other directional signs upon the trunk highways and such
signs shall be uniform. The commissioner may authorize variations from the manual and
specifications for the purpose of investigation and research into the use and development
of traffic control devices. When such authorized variation pertains to the regulation
of traffic, notice of the intended regulatory purpose shall be published in a qualified
newspaper of general circulation in the area where the research is being conducted.

(b) No other authority shall place or maintain any traffic control device upon any
highway under the jurisdiction of the commissioner except by the latter's permission.

new text begin (c) For each city containing a Minnesota National Guard or reserves armory or
training and community center, the commissioner must allow placement of a sign stating
that the city is the home of the specified military unit that is assigned to that armory or
training and community center, including in military parlance the type of military unit. The
sign must be furnished by a person or entity other than the Department of Transportation,
and must be approved by the commissioner in consultation with the adjutant general
of the national guard. The commissioner is authorized to accept and expend money
from nonstate sources for the purpose of providing, installing, and maintaining the signs
authorized by this paragraph.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2006.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 169.81, subdivision 3c, is
amended to read:

Subd. 3c.

Recreational vehicle combination.

Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a
recreational vehicle combination may be operated without a permit if:

(1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing
rating of the pickup truck is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles
being towed;

(2) the combination does not exceed 70 feet in length;

(3) the middle vehicle in the combination does not exceed 28 feet in length;

(4) the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of age;

(5) the trailer carrying a watercraft, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, off-highway
motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, new text begin motorized golf cart, new text end or equestrian equipment
or supplies meets all requirements of law;

(6) the trailers in the combination are connected to the pickup truck and each other
in conformity with section 169.82; and

(7) the combination is not operated within the seven-county metropolitan area, as
defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.823, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Pneumatic-tired vehicle.

No vehicle or combination of vehicles
equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state:

(1) where the gross weight on any wheel exceeds deleted text begin 9,000 pounds, except that on
designated local routes and state trunk highways the gross weight on any single wheel
shall not exceed deleted text end 10,000 pounds;

(2) where the gross weight on any single axle exceeds deleted text begin 18,000 pounds, except that
on designated local routes and state trunk highways the gross weight on any single axle
shall not exceed deleted text end 20,000 pounds;

(3) where the maximum wheel load:

(i) on the foremost and rearmost steering axles, exceeds 600 pounds per inch of tire
width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or

(ii) on other axles, exceeds 500 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's
recommended load, whichever is less. This item applies to new vehicles manufactured
after August 1, 1991. For vehicles manufactured before August 2, 1991, the maximum
weight per inch of tire width is 600 pounds per inch or the manufacturer's recommended
load, whichever is less, until August 1, 1996. After July 31, 1996, this item applies to all
vehicles regardless of date of manufacture;

(4) where the gross weight on any axle of a tridem exceeds 15,000 pounds, except
that for vehicles to which an additional axle has been added prior to June 1, 1981, the
maximum gross weight on any axle of a tridem may be up to 16,000 pounds provided the
gross weight of the tridem combination does not exceed 39,900 pounds where the first
and third axles of the tridem are spaced nine feet apart;

(5) where the gross weight on any group of axles exceeds the weights permitted
under sections 169.822 to 169.829 with any or all of the interior axles disregarded, and
with an exterior axle disregarded if the exterior axle is a variable load axle that is not
carrying its intended weight, and their gross weights subtracted from the gross weight of
all axles of the group under consideration.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.824, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Table of axle weight limits.

(a) No vehicle or combination of
vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state
where the total gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles of any vehicle
or combination of vehicles exceeds that given in the following table for the distance
between the centers of the first and last axles of any group of two or more consecutive
axles under consideration; unless otherwise noted, the distance between axles being
measured longitudinally to the nearest even foot, and when the measurement is a fraction
of exactly one-half foot the next largest whole number in feet shall be used, except that
when the distance between axles is more than three feet four inches and less than three
feet six inches the distance of four feet shall be used:

	Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of
	2	3	4
Distances in feet between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of a group	consecutive axles of a 2-axle vehicle or of any vehicle or combination of vehicles having a total of 2 or more axles	consecutive axles of a 3-axle vehicle or of any vehicle or combination of vehicles having a total of 3 or more axles	consecutive axles of a 4-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 4 or more axles
4	34,000
5	34,000
6	34,000
7	34,000	37,000
8	34,000	38,500
8 plus	34,000	42,000
	(38,000)
9	35,000	43,000
	(39,000)
10	36,000	43,500	49,000
	(40,000)
11	36,000	44,500	49,500
12		45,000	50,000
13		46,000	51,000
14		46,500	51,500
15		47,500	52,000
16		48,000	53,000
17		49,000	53,500
18		49,500	54,000
19		50,500	55,000
20		51,000	55,500
21		52,000	56,000
22		52,500	57,000
23		53,500	57,500
24		54,000	58,000
25		(55,000)	59,000
26		(55,500)	59,500
27		(56,500)	60,000
28		(57,000)	61,000
29		(58,000)	61,500
30		(58,500)	62,000
31		(59,500)	63,000
32		(60,000)	63,500
33			64,000
34			65,000
35			65,500
36			66,000
37			67,000
38			67,500
39			68,000
40			69,000
41			69,500
42			70,000
43			71,000
44			71,500
45			72,000
46			72,500
47			(73,500)
48			(74,000)
49			(74,500)
50			(75,500)
51			(76,000)

The maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles where the distance
between centers of foremost and rearmost axles is listed as seven feet or eight feet applies
only to vehicles manufactured before August 1, 1991.

"8 plus" refers to any distance greater than eight feet but less than nine feet.

	Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of
	5	6	7
Distances in feet between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of a group	consecutive axles of a 5-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 5 or more axles	consecutive axles of a combination of vehicles having a total of 6 or more axles	consecutive axles of a combination of vehicles having a total of 7 or more axles
14	57,000
15	57,500
16	58,000
17	59,000
18	59,500
19	60,000
20	60,500	66,000	72,000
21	61,500	67,000	72,500
22	62,000	67,500	73,000
23	62,500	68,000	73,500
24	63,000	68,500	74,000
25	64,000	69,000	75,000
26	64,500	70,000	75,500
27	65,000	70,500	76,000
28	65,500	71,000	76,500
29	66,500	71,500	77,000
30	67,000	72,000	77,500
31	67,500	73,000	78,500
32	68,000	73,500	79,000
33	69,000	74,000	79,500
34	69,500	74,500	80,000
35	70,000	75,000
36	70,500	76,000
37	71,500	76,500
38	72,000	77,000
39	72,500	77,500
40	73,000	78,000
41	(74,000)	79,000
42	(74,500)	79,500
43	(75,000)	80,000
44	(75,500)
45	(76,500)
46	(77,000)
47	(77,500)
48	(78,000)
49	(79,000)
50	(79,500)
51	(80,000)

The gross weights shown in parentheses in this table are permitted only on new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end state trunk highways deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end routes designated under section 169.832, subdivision 11 new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) routes designated as having a maximum weight limit of nine tons per axle new text end .

(b) Notwithstanding any lesser weight in pounds shown in this table but subject to
the restrictions on gross vehicle weights in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), two consecutive
sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 pounds each and a combined gross
load of 68,000 pounds provided the overall distance between the first and last axles of
the consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 169.824, subdivision 2, is
amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Gross vehicle weight of all axles.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions
of section 169.85, the gross vehicle weight of all axles of a vehicle or combination of
vehicles deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end not exceed:

(1) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles on all state trunk
highways as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 29, and for all routes designated deleted text begin under
section 169.832, subdivision 11 deleted text end new text begin as having a maximum weight limit of nine tons per axle new text end ;

(2) 88,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more
axles while exclusively engaged in hauling livestock on all state trunk highways other
than interstate highways, if the vehicle has a permit under section 169.86, subdivision 5,
paragraph (k); new text begin and
new text end

(3) 73,280 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with five axles or less
on all routes, other than new text begin (i) new text end state trunk highways deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , (ii) new text end routes that are designated under
section 169.832, subdivision 11, deleted text begin except that a vehicle needing reasonable access to a
terminal or facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest, located within three miles of a ten-ton
route, may not exceed 80,000 pounds. "Terminal" means any location where freight either
originates, terminates, or is handled in the transportation process, or where commercial
motor carriers maintain operating facilities; deleted text end and new text begin (iii) routes that are designated as having a
maximum weight limit of nine tons per axle.
new text end

deleted text begin (4) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more axles
on all routes, other than state trunk highways and routes that are designated under section
deleted text begin 169.832, subdivision 11 deleted text end .
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) The maximum weights specified in this section for five consecutive axles shall
not apply to a four-axle ready-mix concrete truck which was equipped with a fifth axle
prior to June 1, 1981. The maximum gross weight on four or fewer consecutive axles of
vehicles excepted by this clause shall not exceed any maximum weight specified for four
or fewer consecutive axles in this section.
deleted text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.829, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Tow truck.

Sections 169.822 to 169.828 do not apply to a tow truck or
towing vehicle when towing a disabled new text begin or damaged new text end vehicle deleted text begin damaged in such manner that
the towed vehicle cannot be towed from the rear and deleted text end new text begin , new text end when the movement is deleted text begin temporary deleted text end new text begin
urgent, and when the movement is new text end for the purpose of deleted text begin taking deleted text end new text begin removing new text end the disabled vehicle
new text begin from the roadway new text end to a new text begin place of safekeeping or to a new text end place of repair.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.86, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Tow truck. new text end

new text begin A tow truck or towing vehicle, when towing a disabled or
damaged vehicle to a place of repair or to a place of safekeeping, may exceed the length
and weight limitations of this chapter, subject to a $300 annual permit fee and such
conditions as the commissioner may prescribe.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.87, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Seasonal load restriction.

Except for portland cement concrete roads,
between the dates set by the commissioner of transportation each year, the weight on
any single axle shall not exceed deleted text begin five deleted text end new text begin seven new text end tons on a county highway, town road, or
city street that has not been restricted as provided in subdivision 1. The gross weight
on consecutive axles shall not exceed the gross weight allowed in sections 169.822 to
169.829 multiplied by a factor of five divided by nine. This reduction shall not apply to
the gross vehicle weight.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 16.

new text begin [174.12] AREA TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIPS.
new text end

new text begin Any staff or other direct representative of an agency of the state of Minnesota serving
on the governing body of an area transportation partnership must be a non-voting member.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective June 1, 2006.
new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin [174.56] REPORT ON MAJOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation shall submit a
report on January 15, 2007, and on January 15 of each year thereafter, on the status of
major highway projects under construction or planned during the year of the report and for
the ensuing 15 years. For purposes of this section, a "major highway project" is a highway
project that has a total cost for all segments that the commissioner estimates at the time
of the report to be at least $10,000,000, and at least $50,000,000 in the metropolitan
transportation district.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report contents. new text end

new text begin For each major highway project the report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a description of the project sufficient to specify its scope and location;
new text end

new text begin (2) a history of the project, including, but not limited to, previous official actions by
the department and/or the appropriate area transportation partnership, the date on which
the project was first included in the State Transportation Improvement Plan, the cost of the
project at that time, the dates of environmental approval, the dates of municipal approval,
the date of final geometric layout, and the date of establishment of any construction limits;
new text end

new text begin (3) the project's priority listing or rank within its construction district, if any, as
well as the reasons for that listing or rank, the criteria used in prioritization or rank, any
changes in that prioritization or rank since the project was first included in a department
work plan, and the reasons for those changes; and
new text end

new text begin (4) past and potential future reasons for delay in letting or completion of the project.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 222.50, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Grants.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner may approve grants from the rail service
improvement account for payment of up to deleted text begin 50 deleted text end new text begin 40 new text end percent deleted text begin of the nonfederal share deleted text end of the
cost of any rail line project deleted text begin under the federal rail service continuation program. deleted text end new text begin on a rail
line owned by a private railroad, and up to 60 percent of the cost of any rail line project on
a rail line owned by a political subdivision. At least 20 percent of the cost of any rail line
project is the direct responsibility of the grantee and may not be paid from other state or
federal sources. The remaining portion of the cost of a rail line project receiving a grant
under this subdivision may be financed as provided under subdivision 7.
new text end

new text begin (b) No more than 50 percent of the annual expenditures from the rail service
improvement account may be in the form of grants made under this subdivision.
new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 222.50, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Expenditures.

(a) The commissioner may expend money from the rail
service improvement account for the following purposes:

(1) to make transfers as provided under section 222.57 or to pay interest adjustments
on loans guaranteed under the state rail user and rail carrier loan guarantee program;

(2) to pay a portion of the costs of capital improvement projects designed to improve
rail service including construction or improvement of short segments of rail line such
as side track, team track and connections between existing lines, and construction and
improvement of loading, unloading, storage and transfer facilities of a rail user;

(3) to acquire, maintain, manage and dispose of railroad right-of-way pursuant to the
state rail bank program;

(4) to provide for aerial photography survey of proposed and abandoned railroad
tracks for the purpose of recording and reestablishing by analytical triangulation the
existing alignment of the inplace track;

(5) to pay a portion of the costs of acquiring new text begin or rehabilitating new text end a rail line by a regional
railroad authority established pursuant to chapter 398A;

(6) to pay the state matching portion of federal grants for rail-highway grade
crossing improvement projects.

(b) All money derived by the commissioner from the disposition of railroad
right-of-way or of any other property acquired pursuant to sections 222.46 to 222.62 shall
be deposited in the rail service improvement account.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 296A.18, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

All-terrain vehicle.

Approximately deleted text begin 0.15 deleted text end new text begin 0.27 new text end of one percent of all gasoline
received in or produced or brought into this state, except gasoline used for aviation
purposes, is being used for the operation of all-terrain vehicles in this state, and of the total
revenue derived from the imposition of the gasoline fuel tax, deleted text begin 0.15 deleted text end new text begin 0.27 new text end of one percent is
the amount of tax on fuel used in all-terrain vehicles operated in this state.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.322, is amended to read:

469.322 DESIGNATION OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ZONE.

(a) An area designated as a foreign trade zone may be designated by the foreign
trade zone authority as an international economic development zone if within the zone
a regional distribution center is being developed pursuant to section 469.323. The zone
must consist of contiguous area of not less than 500 acres and not more than 1,000 acres.
The designation authority under this section is limited to one zone.

(b) In making the designation, the foreign trade zone authority, in consultation with
the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council, shall consider
access to major transportation routes, consistency with current state transportation and
air cargo planning, adequacy of the size of the site, access to airport facilities, present
and future capacity at the designated airport, the capability to meet integrated present
and future air cargo, security, and inspection services, and access to other infrastructure
and financial incentives. The border of the international economic development zone
must be no more than 60 miles distant or 90 minutes drive time from the border of the
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

new text begin (c) Before final designation of the zone, the foreign trade zone authority, in
consultation with the applicant, must conduct a transportation impact study based on the
regional model and utilizing traffic forecasting and assignments. The results must be used
to evaluate the effects of the proposed use on the transportation system and identify any
needed improvements. If the site is in the metropolitan area, the study must also evaluate
the effect of the transportation impacts on the metropolitan transportation system plan
as well as the comprehensive plans of the municipalities that would be affected. The
authority shall provide copies of the study to the legislature under section 3.195 and to the
chairs of the committees with jurisdiction over transportation and economic development.
The applicant must pay the cost of the study.
new text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Final zone designation must be made by June 30, deleted text begin 2006 deleted text end new text begin 2008 new text end .

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Duration of the zone is a 12-year period beginning on January 1, deleted text begin 2007 deleted text end new text begin 2010 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

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.323, subdivision 2, is
amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Business plan.

Before designation of an international economic
development zone under section 469.322, the governing body of the foreign trade zone
authority shall prepare a business plan. new text begin The authority shall file the business plan with
the legislature under section 3.195 and provide copies to the chairs of committees with
jurisdiction over transportation and economic development. new text end The plan must include an
analysis of the economic feasibility of the regional distribution center once it becomes
operational and of the operations of freight forwarders and other businesses that choose to
locate within the boundaries of the zone. The analysis must provide profitability models
that:

(1) include the benefits of the incentives;

(2) estimate the amount of time needed to achieve profitability; and

(3) analyze the length of time incentives will be necessary to the economic viability
of the regional distribution center.

If the governing body of the foreign trade authority determines that the models do
not establish the economic feasibility of the project, the regional distribution center does
not meet the development requirements of this section and section 469.322.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 471.345, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Town road construction and maintenance. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any
other procedural requirements of this section, a town may contract for the construction
or maintenance of a town road by agreeing to the terms of an existing contract between
a vendor and a county for road construction or maintenance on an adjoining road if
the existing county contract was made in conformance with all applicable procedural
requirements.
new text end

Sec. 24. new text begin TRUNK HIGHWAY 60 CONSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 161.261, or any other law, the
commissioner of transportation may enter into an agreement with an adjoining state
to construct a connector highway with a length not to exceed four miles, and to erect
detour signs at appropriate locations, for the construction of marked Trunk Highway 60
to include the Bigelow Bypass.
new text end

Sec. 25. new text begin STUDY OF TRANSPORTATION LONG-RANGE SOLUTIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation shall conduct a study to evaluate the current
and long-range needs of the state's transportation system, and investigate possible
strategies to meet these needs.
new text end

new text begin (b) The study must include, but is not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) evaluation of the current needs of the state's highway systems and bridges;
new text end

new text begin (2) analysis and quantification of the needs for the next 20 years of the state's
highway systems and bridges;
new text end

new text begin (3) comparison of estimates of revenues raised by current transportation funding
sources, with long-term needs of the state's transportation system;
new text end

new text begin (4) identification of options for maintenance and improvement of the state's
transportation system with specific reference to factors such as changes in vehicle fuel
economy, availability of alternative modes of transportation, and the nation's attempts to
decrease dependence on foreign oil;
new text end

new text begin (5) analysis of alternative pricing options utilized in other states, and their potential
for use, public acceptance, alleviation of congestion, and revenue generation in this
state; and
new text end

new text begin (6) identification of options for road pricing or other alternative financing
mechanisms, and estimates of implementation costs, user costs, and revenue.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall report the results of the study to the legislature no later
than January 12, 2007.
new text end

Sec. 26. new text begin REPORT ON COMPARISON OF COSTS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
WORK ON TRUNK HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation shall submit, no later than September 1, an
annual written report to the legislature, in compliance with Minnesota Statutes, sections
3.195 and 3.197, and shall submit the report to the chairs of the senate and house of
representatives committees having jurisdiction over transportation. The report must
identify:
new text end

new text begin (1) standard line item bid categories in trunk highway construction contracts,
including culvert installation or replacement; roadway resurfacing; lane-mile cost of
road construction; crack fill and seal; consultant fees; sign replacement; drainage repair;
guardrail and fence replacement and repair; and striping;
new text end

new text begin (2) costs incurred in the previous fiscal year attributed to work performed by state
employees in each identified category; and
new text end

new text begin (3) costs attributable in the previous fiscal year to work performed by private
contractors in each identified category.
new text end

Sec. 27. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 160.84; 160.85; 160.86; 160.87; 160.88; 160.89;
160.90; 160.91; and 160.92, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

Sec. 28. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Except as specifically provided otherwise, this article is effective the day following
final enactment.
new text end