1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to highways; requiring a highway construction costs study and report; 
1.3 	appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION COSTS STUDY; APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	(a) $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2018 from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.7 	of transportation for a study on highway construction costs. The commissioner shall enter 
1.8 	into an agreement to conduct the study with an organization or entity having relevant 
1.9 	expertise.
1.10 	(b) At a minimum, the study must include:
1.11 	(1) an overview of highway construction cost issues;
1.12 	(2) comparison of costs in Minnesota relative to other states and regions;
1.13 	(3) identification of factors specific to Minnesota, if any, that contribute to cost 
1.14 	differences;
1.15 	(4) evaluation of the methodology used for highway construction cost calculation and 
1.16 	indexing in Minnesota, including review of associated best practices; and
1.17 	(5) specific recommendations for road authorities and legislative changes to reduce 
1.18 	highway construction costs.
1.19 	(c) By February 15, 2018, the commissioner shall submit a report on the study to the 
1.20 	chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
1.21 	transportation policy and finance.