SF 5306

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 05/18/2026 09:44 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to capital investment; appropriating money for radar infrastructure grants.

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

Section 1. new text begin RADAR INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the
commissioner of public safety, shall make grants to political subdivisions of the state,
including airport authorities and airport commissions, for the acquisition, design, construction,
and installation of mobile radar infrastructure and equipment to enhance airspace and marine
surveillance. Projects supported by this appropriation shall provide statewide surveillance
of low altitude airspace and navigable waterways, detect and track intruding aircraft and
vessels, assist with drone traffic management and emergency response, and enhance collision
and obstruction avoidance for publicly owned airports and public waters.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin (a) Grants under this section may be used for the following projects:
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new text begin (1) procurement and installation of radar sensors capable of detecting and tracking small,
low radar cross section targets to track aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and vessels across
Minnesota's airspace and waterways;
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new text begin (2) construction of radar towers; acquisition or leasing of temporary or mobile towers,
shelters, and power infrastructure; installation of communications networks such as fiber
optic lines or secure wireless links to allow real time remote display, alerting, and control;
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new text begin (3) integration with existing surveillance and air traffic systems, including automatic
identification system (AIS) and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data,
and installation of ancillary equipment, including cameras, forward looking infrared devices,
and other sensors for consolidated situational awareness; and
new text end

new text begin (4) site acquisition and improvement for radar installations, including grading,
foundations, and access roads.
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new text begin (b) Money from a grant may also be used for training and technical support necessary
to commission and operate the capital project.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund
to the commissioner of transportation for the purposes of this section. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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