1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to transportation; appropriating funds for a suburban connections 
1.3 	demonstration project.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. SUBURBAN CONNECTIONS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT; 
1.6 	APPROPRIATION.
 1.7 	(a) $....... in fiscal year 2016 and $....... in fiscal year 2017 are appropriated from the 
1.8 	general fund to the Metropolitan Council for financial assistance to replacement service 
1.9 	providers under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.388, to implement a demonstration 
1.10 	project that provides regular route transit or express bus service between municipalities in 
1.11 	the metropolitan area, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, 
1.12 	excluding cities of the first class. Following notification under paragraph (b), the council 
1.13 	shall allocate the appropriated funds as directed by the replacement service providers.
1.14 	(b) The replacement service providers shall collectively identify one or more 
1.15 	demonstration projects for financial assistance under this section and submit a notification 
1.16 	of the allocation to the Metropolitan Council. Criteria for evaluating and identifying 
1.17 	demonstration projects must include but are not limited to:
1.18 	(1) scope of service offering improvements;
1.19 	(2) integration with transit facilities and major business, retail, or suburban centers;
1.20 	(3) extent to which a proposed route complements existing transit service; and
1.21 	(4) density of employment along a proposed route.

1.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2015, and applies in the 
1.23 	counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.