SF 1960

2nd Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 06/20/2012 12:27pm

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, by adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 174.03, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1d. new text end

new text begin Statewide freight plan. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation, in
cooperation with the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic
Development, shall conduct a freight rail economic development study. The study will
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. Findings from the study shall be incorporated as an
amendment to the statewide freight and passenger rail plan.
new text end

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

new text begin (c) The commissioner of transportation may expend up to $216,000 in fiscal year
2013 under section 222.50, subdivision 7, to pay the costs of this study and report.
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