HF 4127

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; requiring Metropolitan Council to study and report on
feasibility of use of light rail transit in the I-494 corridor; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY.
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new text begin The Metropolitan Council shall conduct a study of the feasibility of the use of light
rail transit in the marked Interstate Highway 494 corridor connecting the Hiawatha light
rail transit line to the proposed southwest transit way. The Metropolitan Council may hire
a consultant to assist in the study and report under section 3.
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Sec. 2. new text begin ELEMENTS OF FEASIBILITY STUDY.
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new text begin The light rail transit feasibility study must include, without limitation:
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new text begin (1) an identification of major operational characteristics of light rail transit in the
corridor;
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new text begin (2) a quantification of capital and operating costs;
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new text begin (3) an evaluation of the interface of the light rail transit system with other
transportation systems in the corridor;
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new text begin (4) an evaluation of the impact of the light rail transit system on land-use and urban
development;
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new text begin (5) an estimate of the cost and impact of necessary associated exercise of eminent
domain;
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new text begin (6) an evaluation of the impact of the light rail transit system on energy and the
environment;
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new text begin (7) a comparison of the light rail transit system with multipassenger alternatives
such as buses and carpools;
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new text begin (8) an estimate of ridership potential;
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new text begin (9) a cost-benefit analysis that compares the total cost of the project with the benefits
of the light rail transit line, to its users, other users of the highway, and adjacent property
owners;
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new text begin (10) an identification of potential sources of federal, state, local, private, and other
funds; and
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new text begin (11) an identification of the conditions necessary for light rail transit to be feasible in
the marked Interstate Highway 494 corridor.
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Sec. 3. new text begin REPORT.
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new text begin The Metropolitan Council shall prepare a written report of this study and submit it
no later than January 15, 2008, to the legislature, in compliance with Minnesota Statutes,
sections 3.195 and 3.197, and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate
and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over transportation.
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Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $500,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council for the
purpose of conducting this study and preparing this report. This appropriation is available
through January 15, 2008.
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Sec. 5. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
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new text begin Sections 1 to 4 are effective the day following final enactment.
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