HF 1251

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/25/2015 01:02pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; railroads; providing for a railroad assessment;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 219.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [219.016] RAILROAD COMPANY ASSESSMENT; ACCOUNT;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) As provided in this section, the commissioner shall annually assess railroad
companies that are (1) defined as common carriers under section 218.011; (2) classified by
federal law or regulation as Class I Railroads or Class I Rail Carriers; and (3) operating in
this state. The total assessment amount may not exceed $32,500,000 annually.
new text end

new text begin (b) The assessment must be by a division of the annual appropriation to the grade
crossing safety improvement account in equal proportion between carriers based on route
miles operated in Minnesota, assessed in equal amounts for 365 days of the calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (c) The assessments must be deposited in the rail grade crossing safety improvement
account, which is created in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is
appropriated to the commissioner for the development, administration, and construction of
highway-rail grade crossing improvements on rail corridors transporting crude oil, and
other selected routes, including those carrying hazardous materials. Improvements may
include upgrades to existing protection systems, the closing of crossings and necessary
roadwork, and reconstruction of at-grade crossings to full grade separations. Funds in
the account are available until expended.
new text end