SF 1953

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/24/2015 09:07am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; establishing a small cities assistance grant program;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 162.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [162.145] SMALL CITIES ASSISTANCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Program created. new text end

new text begin From funds made available specifically under this
section, the commissioner shall establish a grant program for assistance to small cities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Small cities assistance account. new text end

new text begin A small cities assistance account is
created in the special revenue fund. The account consists of funds as provided by law and
any other money donated, allotted, transferred, or otherwise provided to the account.
Money in the account may only be expended as provided under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program administration. new text end

new text begin (a) Subject to the requirements of this section,
the commissioner shall develop a grant application, review, and award process that (1)
minimizes burdens on applicants, (2) does not require specification of individual projects
by applicants, and (3) provides for geographic equity throughout the state.
new text end

new text begin (b) Following notification from the commissioner of transportation concerning grant
awards, the commissioner of revenue shall distribute funds to cities in the same manner as
local government aid under chapter 477A.
new text end

new text begin (c) A grant provided under this section is not subject to state-aid requirements
under this chapter, including but not limited to engineering standards adopted by the
commissioner in rules.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Program requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) Eligibility to receive a grant award under this
section is limited to a statutory or home rule charter city that does not receive municipal
state aid under sections 162.09 to 162.14.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grant awards under this section are available only for construction and
maintenance of roads and bridges located within the city, including:
new text end

new text begin (1) land acquisition, environmental analysis, design, engineering, construction,
reconstruction, and maintenance;
new text end

new text begin (2) road projects partially located within the city;
new text end

new text begin (3) projects on county state-aid highways located within the city; and
new text end

new text begin (4) cost participation on road projects under the jurisdiction of another unit of
government.
new text end

new text begin (c) In a fiscal year, the commissioner may not award grants to a city in an amount
that exceeds 15 percent of total funds available under this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2015.
new text end