1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to transportation; authorizing a rail transitway feasibility study.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. RAIL TRANSITWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY.
 1.5 	(a) One or more counties or regional railroad authorities may perform a feasibility study 
1.6 	for a rail transitway in a corridor from St. Louis Park to Savage.
1.7 	(b) A feasibility study performed under this section must:
1.8 	(1) be performed in a manner that meets state and federal requirements for light rail 
1.9 	transit and commuter rail project development, including providing for subsequent selection 
1.10 	of a locally preferred alternative;
1.11 	(2) limit the evaluation of trains to types that:
1.12 	(i) are diesel multiple unit trains, including diesel-electric multiple unit trains; and
1.13 	(ii) can operate on track and infrastructure for the Southwest light rail transit line; and
1.14 	(3) evaluate the impacts and costs to include each of the following in a transitway project:
1.15 	(i) quiet zones under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 222, at all at-grade 
1.16 	highway-rail crossings;
1.17 	(ii) positive train control system, as defined in United States Code, title 49, section 
1.18 	20157(i); and
1.19 	(iii) continuous safety fencing throughout the corridor.
2.1 	(c) This section applies notwithstanding any provision of Laws 2002, chapter 393, section 
2.2 	85.

2.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.