HF 2428

1st Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/26/2012 03:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; directing commissioners of transportation and
employment and economic development to study and report to the legislature
about economic development related to freight railroad operation; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 174.03, subdivision 1b.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 174.03, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Statewide freight and passenger rail plan new text begin ; freight rail economic
development study new text end .

(a) The commissioner shall develop a comprehensive statewide
freight and passenger rail plan to be included and revised as a part of the statewide
transportation plan.

deleted text begin (b) Before the initial version of the plan is adopted, the commissioner shall provide a
copy for review and comment to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate
and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and
finance. Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner may adopt the next revision
of the statewide transportation plan, scheduled to be completed in calendar year 2009,
prior to completion of the initial version of the comprehensive statewide freight and
passenger rail plan.
deleted text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner, in cooperation with the commissioner of employment and
economic development, shall conduct a freight rail economic development study. The
study must assess the economic impact of freight railroads in the state and identify
opportunities to expand business development and enhance economic competitiveness
through improved utilization of freight rail options. The commissioner shall incorporate
findings from the study as an amendment or update to the comprehensive statewide freight
and passenger rail plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall provide an interim progress report by January 15, 2013,
and a final report by September 1, 2013, on the freight rail economic development study to
the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over transportation policy and finance and employment and economic development. The
final report must include any recommended legislative initiatives.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner may expend money under section 222.50, subdivision 7, to
pay the costs of the study and reports under paragraphs (b) and (c).
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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