HF 204

1st Engrossment - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/15/2017 12:34pm

A bill for an act
relating to highways; requiring a highway construction costs study and report;
appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION COSTS STUDY; APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin (a) $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2018 from the general fund to the commissioner
of transportation for a study on highway construction costs. The commissioner shall enter
into an agreement to conduct the study with an organization or entity having relevant
expertise.
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new text begin (b) At a minimum, the study must include:
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new text begin (1) an overview of highway construction cost issues;
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new text begin (2) comparison of costs in Minnesota relative to other states and regions;
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new text begin (3) identification of factors specific to Minnesota, if any, that contribute to cost
differences;
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new text begin (4) evaluation of the methodology used for highway construction cost calculation and
indexing in Minnesota, including (i) review of associated best practices, (ii) comparison of
federal and Minnesota state highway construction cost index methodologies, and (iii)
identification of the reasons for any past discrepancies or differences between state and
federal highway construction cost indexing; and
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new text begin (5) specific recommendations for road authorities and legislative changes to reduce
highway construction costs.
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new text begin (c) By February 15, 2018, the commissioner shall submit a report on the study to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
transportation policy and finance.
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