SF 1545

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/18/2025 10:17 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; providing for reallocation of an appropriation for Northern
Lights Express passenger rail; requiring study of Minneapolis-Duluth intercity bus
service; making a transfer; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MINNEAPOLIS-DULUTH INTERCITY BUS STUDY.
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new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of transportation for a study on intercity bus service in the corridor between Minneapolis-St.
Paul and Duluth.
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new text begin (b) At a minimum, the study must:
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new text begin (1) analyze existing demand and service levels for public transportation in the corridor;
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new text begin (2) identify and evaluate alternatives for intercity bus service improvements, including
estimation of:
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new text begin (i) ridership;
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new text begin (ii) capital and operating costs; and
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new text begin (iii) revenue;
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new text begin (3) consider barriers and risks; and
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new text begin (4) make recommendations regarding feasibility of intercity bus service improvements.
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new text begin (c) By February 1, 2026, the commissioner must submit a copy of the study to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
transportation finance and policy.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION CANCELLATION; NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS.
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new text begin The uncommitted balance of the appropriation in fiscal year 2024 under Laws 2023,
chapter 68, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), for the Minneapolis-Duluth
Northern Lights Express intercity passenger rail project, estimated to be $194,413,803, is
canceled to the general fund on the effective date of this section.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 3. new text begin TRANSFER; HIGHWAY USER TAX DISTRIBUTION FUND.
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new text begin (a) On the effective date of this section, the commissioner of transportation must calculate
a transfer amount that equals the amount determined under section 2, less the amount
appropriated under section 1.
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new text begin (b) The amount calculated under paragraph (a) is transferred in fiscal year 2025 from
the general fund to the highway user tax distribution fund.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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