Minnesota Session Laws - 2008, Regular Session

CHAPTER 152--H.F.No. 2800

An act

relating to transportation finance; appropriating money for transportation activities; providing funding for highway maintenance, debt service, and local roads; appropriating funds for emergency relief related to the I-35W bridge collapse; establishing a trunk highway bridge improvement program; requiring a study of value capture to reduce the public costs of large transportation infrastructure investment; authorizing sale and issuance of bonds; modifying motor vehicle registration and motor fuel taxes; establishing annual surcharge on motor fuel taxes; creating a motor fuels tax credit; allocating motor vehicle lease tax revenues; providing for local transportation sales taxes; modifying county state-aid highway fund revenue allocation; prohibiting tolling or privatization of existing transportation facilities; establishing bridge improvement program; modifying driver's license reinstatement fee provisions; regulating certain transit funding activities; modifying provisions related to various transportation-related funds and accounts; establishing a task force; requiring reports;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 160.84, subdivision 1; 161.081, subdivision 3; 162.06; 162.07, subdivision 1, by adding subdivisions; 168.013, subdivision 1a; 171.29, subdivision 2; 290.06, by adding a subdivision; 296A.07, subdivision 3; 296A.08, subdivision 2; 297A.64, subdivision 2; 297A.815, by adding a subdivision; 297A.99, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 160; 165; 296A; 297A; 398A.

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

ARTICLE 1

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article. new text end

		new text begin 2008 new text end		new text begin 2009 new text end		new text begin Total new text end
new text begin General Fund new text end		new text begin 0 new text end		new text begin 2,775,000 new text end		new text begin 2,775,000 new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway new text end		new text begin 55,000,000 new text end		new text begin 163,250,000 new text end		new text begin 218,250,000 new text end
new text begin C.S.A.H. new text end		new text begin 0 new text end		new text begin 50,173,000 new text end		new text begin 50,173,000 new text end
new text begin M.S.A.S. new text end		new text begin 0 new text end		new text begin 13,179,000 new text end		new text begin 13,179,000 new text end
new text begin Total new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 55,000,000 new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 229,377,000 new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 284,377,000 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the trunk highway fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Appropriations for fiscal year 2008 are effective the day following final enactment. new text end

new text begin The appropriations are in addition to appropriations under Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 3, and Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 2, section 2. new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2008 new text end		new text begin 2009 new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin TRANSPORTATION new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 148,399,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2008 new text end	new text begin 2009 new text end
new text begin General Fund new text end	new text begin 0 new text end	new text begin 2,450,000 new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway new text end	new text begin 0 new text end	new text begin 82,597,000 new text end
new text begin C.S.A.H. new text end	new text begin 0 new text end	new text begin 50,173,000 new text end
new text begin M.S.A.S. new text end	new text begin 0 new text end	new text begin 13,179,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Multimodal Systems new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Transit new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 1,700,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the general fund. This is a onetime appropriation. new text end

new text begin (b) Rail new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the general fund for a grant to the Northstar Corridor Development Authority to fund advanced preliminary engineering, updated environmental documentation, property appraisals, and negotiations with the railroad to extend commuter rail service on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line between Big Lake and Rice. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until spent. new text end

new text begin (c) Port Development Assistance new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the general fund for grants under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 457A. Any improvements made with the proceeds of these grants must be publicly owned. This is a onetime appropriation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin State Roads new text end

new text begin (a) Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 41,352,000 new text end

new text begin (b) Infrastructure Investment Support new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 34,034,000 new text end

new text begin $200,000 is for a grant to the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs for its participation in the United States Department of Transportation Urban Partnership program. This is a onetime appropriation. new text end

new text begin (c) new text begin Highway Debt Service new text end new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 7,211,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is for transfer to the state bond fund. If this appropriation is insufficient to make all transfers required in the year for which it is made, the commissioner of finance shall notify the Committee on Finance of the senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the house of representatives of the amount of the deficiency and shall then transfer that amount under the statutory open appropriation. Any excess appropriation cancels to the trunk highway fund. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Local Roads new text end

new text begin (a) County State Aids new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 50,173,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the county state-aid highway fund and is available until spent. new text end

new text begin (b) Municipal State Aids new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin 13,179,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the municipal state-aid street fund and is available until spent. new text end

new text begin (c) new text begin State-Aid Appropriation Adjustments new text end new text end

new text begin If an appropriation under this subdivision does not exhaust the balance in the fund from which it is made in the year for which it is made, the commissioner of finance, upon request of the commissioner of transportation, shall notify the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance of the amount of the remainder and shall then add that amount to the appropriation. The amount added is appropriated for the purposes of county state aids or municipal state aids, as appropriate. new text end

new text begin If the appropriations under this subdivision exhaust the balance in the fund from which it is made in the year for which it is made, the commissioner of finance shall notify the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance of the amount by which the appropriation exceeds the balance and shall then reduce that amount from the appropriation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin With the approval of the commissioner of finance, the commissioner of transportation may transfer unencumbered balances among the appropriations from the trunk highway fund and the state airports fund made in this section. No transfer may be made from the appropriations for state road construction or debt service to any other appropriation. Transfers under this paragraph may not be made between funds. Transfers between programs must be reported immediately to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance. new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin PUBLIC SAFETY new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,653,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is for the State Patrol to add 40 troopers. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin APPROPRIATION; TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY RELIEF. new text end

new text begin $55,000,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $77,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 are appropriated to the commissioner of transportation from the trunk highway fund for the purposes specified in the federal grants and aids related to the I-35W bridge collapse on marked Interstate Highway I-35W in Minneapolis. The appropriation in fiscal year 2009 is available for other trunk highway construction projects. This appropriation is in addition to appropriations under Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 3, and Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 2, section 2. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Appropriations for fiscal year 2008 are effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin VALUE CAPTURE STUDY; APPROPRIATION. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Findings. new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that large public investments in state transportation infrastructure, such as constructing freeway interchanges, new highways, and rail transit stations, can result in surrounding private land and other property increasing in value, sometimes by substantial amounts. The special assessment law, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 429, provides a method for local governments to use similar private or special benefits to help finance local streets, roads, and other transportation improvements. However, the law does not provide the state with a similar financing mechanism and the nature of a large state transportation project may suggest that alternative financing mechanisms are more appropriate. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Appropriation; study. new text end

new text begin $325,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Center for Transportation Studies to complete a study to assess the public policy implications of financing new and improved transportation infrastructure in Minnesota through capturing the value of the benefits created, to prepare a report on its findings, and to conduct a series of workshops. This is a onetime appropriation and is available in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report; workshops. new text end

new text begin The Center for Transportation Studies must report its preliminary findings to the legislature by March 1, 2009, and must issue its full report by July 1, 2009. The Center for Transportation must also offer a series of educational workshops for elected officials during the summer and fall of 2009. 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

ARTICLE 2

TRUNK HIGHWAY AND LOCAL ROAD AND BRIDGE BONDING

Section 1.

new text begin [296A.083] DEBT SERVICE SURCHARGE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them: new text end

new text begin (1) "debt service" means the amount of principal and interest in each fiscal year attributable to the trunk highway bonds authorized in this article; and new text end

new text begin (2) "surcharge" means the rate imposed under this section on gasoline taxed under section 296A.07, subdivision 3, clause (3), and includes a proportional rate for each type of fuel taxed under sections 296A.07, subdivision 3, clauses (1) and (2), and 296A.08, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Debt service forecast. new text end

new text begin On June 30, 2008, and each March 1 thereafter, the commissioner of finance shall report to the commissioner of revenue on trunk highway debt service. The report must include the annual amount of revenue from the surcharge previously deposited in the trunk highway fund, and a forecast of the total and annual amounts necessary to pay the remaining debt service. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Surcharge rate. new text end

new text begin (a) By July 16, 2008, and each April 1 thereafter, the commissioner of revenue shall calculate and publish a surcharge as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c). The surcharge is imposed from August 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and each new surcharge thereafter is imposed the following July 1 through June 30. new text end

new text begin (b) For fiscal years 2009 through 2012, the commissioner shall set the surcharge as specified in the following surcharge rate schedule. new text end

new text begin Surcharge Rate Schedule new text end
new text begin Fiscal Year new text end	new text begin Rate (in cents per gallon) new text end
new text begin 2009 new text end	new text begin 0.5 new text end
new text begin 2010 new text end	new text begin 2.1 new text end
new text begin 2011 new text end	new text begin 2.5 new text end
new text begin 2012 new text end	new text begin 3.0 new text end

new text begin (c) For fiscal year 2013 and thereafter, the commissioner shall set the surcharge at the lesser of (1) 3.5 cents, or (2) an amount calculated so that the total proceeds from the surcharge deposited in the trunk highway fund from fiscal year 2009 to the upcoming fiscal year equals the total amount of debt service from fiscal years 2009 to 2039, and the surcharge is rounded to the nearest 0.1 cent. 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

Sec. 2. new text begin BOND APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the column under "APPROPRIATIONS" are appropriated from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund, or another named fund, to the state agencies or officials indicated, to be spent for public purposes. Appropriations of bond proceeds must be spent as authorized by the Minnesota Constitution, articles XI and XIV. new text end

new text begin SUMMARY new text end
new text begin Department of Transportation new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 1,841,403,000 new text end
new text begin Metropolitan Council new text end		new text begin 400,000 new text end
new text begin Department of Administration new text end		new text begin 18,197,000 new text end
new text begin Department of Finance new text end		new text begin 1,860,000 new text end
new text begin TOTAL new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 1,861,860,000 new text end

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,841,403,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin Trunk Highway new text end		new text begin 1,781,403,000 new text end
new text begin State Transportation new text end		new text begin 60,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the commissioner of transportation for the purposes specified in this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin State Road Construction new text end

new text begin 1,717,694,000 new text end

new text begin (a) For the actual construction, reconstruction, and improvement of trunk highways, including design-build contracts and consultant usage to support these activities. This includes the cost of actual payments to landowners for lands acquired for highway rights-of-way, payments to lessees, interest subsidies, and relocation expenses. This appropriation is in the following amounts: new text end

new text begin (1) $417,694,000 in fiscal year 2009, and the commissioner may use up to $71,008,000 of this amount for program delivery; new text end

new text begin (2) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2010, and the commissioner may use up to $85,000,000 of this amount for program delivery; and new text end

new text begin (3) $100,000,000 in each fiscal year for fiscal years 2011 through 2018, and the commissioner may use up to $17,000,000 of the amount in each fiscal year for program delivery. new text end

new text begin (b) Of the amount in fiscal year 2009, $40,000,000 is for construction of interchanges involving a trunk highway, where the interchange will promote economic development, increase employment, relieve growing traffic congestion, and promote traffic safety. The amount under this paragraph must be allocated 50 percent to the department's metropolitan district, and 50 percent to districts in greater Minnesota. new text end

new text begin (c) Of the amount in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the commissioner shall use $300,000,000 each year for predesign, design, preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of bridges in the trunk highway bridge improvement program under Minnesota Statutes, section 165.14. new text end

new text begin (d) Of the total appropriation under this subdivision, the commissioner shall use at least $50,000,000 for accelerating transit facility improvements on or adjacent to trunk highways. new text end

new text begin (e) Of the total appropriation under this subdivision provided to the Department of Transportation's district 7, the commissioner shall first expend funds as necessary to accelerate all projects that (1) are on a trunk highway classified as a medium priority interregional corridor, (2) are included in the district's long-range transportation plan, but are not included in the state transportation improvement program or the ten-year highway work plan, and (3) expand capacity from a two-lane highway to a freeway or expressway, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 160.02, subdivision 19. The commissioner shall establish as the highest priority under this paragraph any project that currently has a final environmental impact statement completed. The requirement under this paragraph does not change the department's funding allocation process or the amount otherwise allocated to each transportation district. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Great River Road new text end

new text begin 4,299,000 new text end

new text begin For predesign, design, construction, and restoration of historic roadside properties on the Great River Road. The commissioner shall consult with the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission to determine project priorities. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Urban Partnership Agreement new text end

new text begin 24,778,000 new text end

new text begin For design, conversion, and construction of (1) a high-occupancy toll lane along a portion of marked Interstate Highway I-35W in the counties of Dakota and Hennepin, (2) a priced dynamic shoulder lane along a portion of marked Interstate Highway I-35W in Minneapolis, (3) bus-only transit along a portion of marked Trunk Highway 77 in the counties of Dakota and Hennepin, and (4) related arterial traffic management projects. This appropriation is part of the local match of federal funding provided under the urban partnership agreement. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Mankato District Headquarters Building new text end

new text begin 23,983,000 new text end

new text begin For design, construction, furnishing, and equipping a new Department of Transportation district headquarters facility in Mankato. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Chaska Truck Station - Carver County Partnership new text end

new text begin 8,649,000 new text end

new text begin For design and construction of a new truck station facility in Chaska, in partnership with Carver County. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Rochester and Maple Grove Truck Stations Design new text end

new text begin 2,000,000 new text end

new text begin For design and investigative services of new truck station facilities in Rochester and Maple Grove. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Local Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation new text end

new text begin 50,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, to match federal money and to replace or rehabilitate local deficient bridges. new text end

new text begin Political subdivisions may use grants made under this section to construct or reconstruct bridges, including: new text end

new text begin (1) matching federal aid grants to construct or reconstruct key bridges; new text end

new text begin (2) paying the costs of preliminary engineering and environmental studies authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, subdivision 6a; new text end

new text begin (3) paying the costs to abandon an existing bridge that is deficient and in need of replacement, but where no replacement will be made; and new text end

new text begin (4) paying the costs to construct a road or street to facilitate the abandonment of an existing bridge determined by the commissioner to be deficient, if the commissioner determines that construction of the road or street is more cost efficient than the replacement of the existing bridge. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Local Road Improvement Program new text end

new text begin 10,000,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, for grants to counties to assist in paying the costs of rural road safety capital improvement projects on county state-aid highways under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52, subdivision 4a. new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 400,000 new text end

new text begin Urban Partnership Agreement new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the Metropolitan Council for land acquisition, design, and construction of park-and-ride facilities along marked Interstate Highway I-35W in the counties of Dakota and Hennepin. This appropriation is part of the local match of federal funding provided under the urban partnership agreement. new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 18,197,000 new text end

new text begin Transportation Building Exterior Repair new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the commissioner of administration for repair and renovation of the exterior of the Department of Transportation Building at 395 John Ireland Boulevard in St. Paul. new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,860,000 new text end

new text begin Bond Sale Expenses new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to the commissioner of finance for bond sale expenses under Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.641, subdivision 8, and 167.50, subdivision 4. new text end

new text begin Of this amount, $60,000 is from the bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund. new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin BOND SALE AUTHORIZATION. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Trunk highway fund bonds. new text end

new text begin To provide the money appropriated in this article from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $1,801,800,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts requested by the commissioner of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium received from the sale of the bonds, must be deposited in the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin State transportation fund bonds. new text end

new text begin To provide the money appropriated in this article from the state transportation fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $60,060,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium received on the sale of the bonds, must be credited to a bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Except where otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

ARTICLE 3

HIGHWAY USER TAXES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.013, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Passenger automobile; hearse.

(a) On passenger automobiles as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 7, and hearses, except as otherwise provided, the tax shall be $10 plus an additional tax equal to 1.25 percent of the base value.

(b) Subject to the classification provisions herein, "base value" means the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the vehicle including destination charge using list price information published by the manufacturer or determined by the registrar if no suggested retail price exists, and shall not include the cost of each accessory or item of optional equipment separately added to the vehicle and the suggested retail price.

(c) If the manufacturer's list price information contains a single vehicle identification number followed by various descriptions and suggested retail prices, the registrar shall select from those listings only the lowest price for determining base value.

(d) If unable to determine the base value because the vehicle is specially constructed, or for any other reason, the registrar may establish such value upon the cost price to the purchaser or owner as evidenced by a certificate of cost but not including Minnesota sales or use tax or any local sales or other local tax.

(e) The registrar shall classify every vehicle in its proper base value class as follows:

	FROM		TO
	$ . 0		$ . 199.99
	$ . 200		$ . 399.99

and thereafter a series of classes successively set in brackets having a spread of $200 consisting of such number of classes as will permit classification of all vehicles.

(f) The base value for purposes of this section shall be the middle point between the extremes of its class.

(g) The registrar shall establish the base value, when new, of every passenger automobile and hearse registered prior to the effective date of Extra Session Laws 1971, chapter 31, using list price information published by the manufacturer or any nationally recognized firm or association compiling such data for the automotive industry. If unable to ascertain the base value of any registered vehicle in the foregoing manner, the registrar may use any other available source or method. The registrar shall calculate tax using base value information available to dealers and deputy registrars at the time the application for registration is submitted. The tax on all previously registered vehicles shall be computed upon the base value thus determined taking into account the depreciation provisions of paragraph (h).

(h) The annual additional tax new text begin must be new text end computed upon new text begin a percentage of new text end the base value as deleted text begin provided herein, deleted text end new text begin follows: new text end during the first deleted text begin and second years deleted text end new text begin year new text end of vehicle life deleted text begin shall be computed deleted text end new text begin , new text end upon 100 percent of the base value; new text begin for the second year, 90 percent of such value; new text end for the third deleted text begin and fourth years deleted text end new text begin year new text end , deleted text begin 90 deleted text end new text begin 80 new text end percent of such value; new text begin for the fourth year, 70 percent of such value; new text end for the fifth deleted text begin and sixth years deleted text end new text begin year new text end , deleted text begin 75 deleted text end new text begin 60 new text end percent of such value; new text begin for the sixth year, 50 percent of such value; new text end for the seventh year, deleted text begin 60 deleted text end new text begin 40 new text end percent of such value; for the eighth year, deleted text begin 40 deleted text end new text begin 30 new text end percent of such value; for the ninth year, deleted text begin 30 deleted text end new text begin 20 new text end percent of such value; for the tenth year, ten percent of such value; for the 11th and each succeeding year, the sum of $25.

new text begin (i) new text end In no event shall the annual additional tax be less than $25. deleted text begin The total tax under this subdivision shall not exceed $189 for the first renewal period and shall not exceed $99 for subsequent renewal periods. The total tax under this subdivision on any vehicle filing its initial registration in Minnesota in the second year of vehicle life shall not exceed $189 and shall not exceed $99 for subsequent renewal periods. The total tax under this subdivision on any vehicle filing its initial registration in Minnesota in the third or subsequent year of vehicle life shall not exceed $99 and shall not exceed $99 in any subsequent renewal period. deleted text end

deleted text begin (i) As used in this subdivision and section 168.017, the following terms have the meanings given: "initial registration" means the 12 consecutive months calendar period from the day of first registration of a vehicle in Minnesota; and "renewal periods" means the 12 consecutive calendar months periods following the initial registration period. deleted text end new text begin For any vehicle previously registered in Minnesota, the annual additional tax due under this subdivision must not exceed the smallest amount of annual additional tax previously paid or due on the vehicle. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, and applies to any annual additional tax for a registration period that starts on or after September 1, 2008, through August 31, 2009. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 290.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 34. new text end

new text begin Lower income motor fuels tax credit. new text end

new text begin (a) An individual is allowed a credit against the tax imposed under this chapter if the individual: new text end

new text begin (i) has attained the age of 18 by the end of the taxable year; new text end

new text begin (ii) cannot be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return; and new text end

new text begin (iii) is (A) a United States citizen or (B) lawfully present in the United States. new text end

new text begin For married couples filing joint returns, surviving spouses, single filers, and head of household filers, the credit amount is $25. For married individuals filing separate returns, the credit amount is $12.50. To qualify, the individual's taxable net income for the taxable year must not exceed the maximum amount for the individual's filing status, adjusted as provided in subdivision 2d, that is taxable at the lowest rate under subdivision 2c. For individuals with taxable net income that exceeds the amount of income taxable for the individual's filing status at the lowest rate under subdivision 2c, adjusted as provided in subdivision 2d, the credit amount is zero. For a nonresident or part-year resident, the credit must be allocated based on the percentage calculated under subdivision 2c, paragraph (e). new text end

new text begin (b) If the amount of the credit which the individual is eligible to receive under this subdivision exceeds the individual's liability for tax under this chapter, the commissioner of revenue shall refund the excess. new text end

new text begin (c) The amount necessary to pay claims for the refund provided in this section is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 296A.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Rate of tax.

The gasoline excise tax is imposed at the following rates:

(1) E85 is taxed at the rate of deleted text begin 14.2 deleted text end new text begin 17.75 new text end cents per gallon;

(2) M85 is taxed at the rate of deleted text begin 11.4 deleted text end new text begin 14.25 new text end cents per gallon; and

(3) all other gasoline is taxed at the rate of deleted text begin 20 deleted text end new text begin 25 new text end cents per gallon.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective October 1, 2008, and applies to all gasoline, undyed diesel fuel, and special fuel in distributor storage on that date. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin GASOLINE EXCISE TAX; TRANSITION PROVISION. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 296A.07, subdivision 3, before October 1, 2008, the gasoline excise tax is imposed at the following rates: new text end

new text begin (1) E85 is taxed at the rate of 15.62 cents per gallon; new text end

new text begin (2) M85 is taxed at the rate of 12.54 cents per gallon; and new text end

new text begin (3) all other gasoline is taxed at the rate of 22 cents per gallon. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective on the first day of the month following 21 days after the date of enactment and applies to all gasoline, undyed diesel fuel, and special fuel in distributor storage on that date. This section expires October 1, 2008. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 296A.08, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Rate of tax.

The special fuel excise tax is imposed at the following rates:

(a) Liquefied petroleum gas or propane is taxed at the rate of deleted text begin 15 deleted text end new text begin 18.75 new text end cents per gallon.

(b) Liquefied natural gas is taxed at the rate of deleted text begin 12 deleted text end new text begin 15 new text end cents per gallon.

(c) Compressed natural gas is taxed at the rate of deleted text begin $1.739 deleted text end new text begin $2.174 new text end per thousand cubic feet; or deleted text begin 20 deleted text end new text begin 25 new text end cents per gasoline equivalent deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin . For purposes of this paragraph, "gasoline equivalent," new text end as defined by the National Conference on Weights and Measures, deleted text begin which deleted text end is 5.66 pounds of natural gas.

(d) All other special fuel is taxed at the same rate as the gasoline excise tax as specified in section 296A.07, subdivision 2. The tax is payable in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective October 1, 2008, and applies to all gasoline, undyed diesel fuel, and special fuel in distributor storage on that date. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin SPECIAL FUEL EXCISE TAX; TRANSITION PROVISION. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 296A.08, subdivision 2, before October 1, 2008, the special fuel excise tax is imposed at the following rates: new text end

new text begin (a) Liquefied petroleum gas or propane is taxed at the rate of 16.5 cents per gallon. new text end

new text begin (b) Liquefied natural gas is taxed at the rate of 13.2 cents per gallon. new text end

new text begin (c) Compressed natural gas is taxed at the rate of $1.1913 per thousand cubic feet; or 22 cents per gasoline equivalent. For purposes of this paragraph, "gasoline equivalent," as defined by the National Conference on Weights and Measures, is 5.66 pounds of gas. new text end

new text begin (d) All other special fuel is taxed at the same rate as the gasoline excise tax as specified in section 4. The tax is payable in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective on the first day of the month following 21 days after the date of enactment, and applies to all gasoline, undyed diesel fuel, and special fuel in distributor storage on that date. This section expires October 1, 2008. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 297A.64, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Fee imposed.

A fee equal to deleted text begin three deleted text end new text begin five new text end percent of the sales price is imposed on leases or rentals of vehicles subject to the tax under subdivision 1. The lessor on the invoice to the customer may designate the fee as "a fee imposed by the State of Minnesota for the registration of rental cars."

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 297A.815, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Motor vehicle lease sales tax revenue. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this subdivision, "net revenue" means an amount equal to: new text end

new text begin (1) the revenues, including interest and penalties, collected under section 297A.815, during the fiscal year; less new text end

new text begin (2) the estimated reduction in individual income tax receipts and the estimated amount of refunds paid out under section 290.06, subdivision 34, for the fiscal year. new text end

new text begin (b) On or before June 30 of each fiscal year, the commissioner of revenue shall estimate the amount of the revenues and subtraction under paragraph (a) for the current fiscal year. new text end

new text begin (c) On or after July 1 of the subsequent fiscal year, the commissioner of finance shall transfer the net revenue as estimated in paragraph (b) from the general fund, as follows: new text end

new text begin (1) 50 percent to the greater Minnesota transit account; and new text end

new text begin (2) 50 percent to the county state-aid highway fund. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of transportation shall allocate the funds transferred under this clause to the counties in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4, excluding the counties of Hennepin and Ramsey, so that each county shall receive of such amount the percentage that its population, as defined in section 477A.011, subdivision 3, estimated or established by July 15 of the year prior to the current calendar year, bears to the total population of the counties receiving funds under this clause. new text end

new text begin (d) For fiscal years 2010 and 2011, the amount under paragraph (a), clause (1), must be calculated using the following percentages of the total revenues: new text end

new text begin (1) for fiscal year 2010, 83.75 percent; and new text end

new text begin (2) for fiscal year 2011, 93.75 percent. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2009. new text end

ARTICLE 4

LOCAL OPTION TAXES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 297A.99, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authorization; scope.

(a) A political subdivision of this state may impose a general sales tax new text begin (1) under section 297A.992, (2) under section 297A.993, (3) new text end if permitted by special law new text begin , new text end or new text begin (4) new text end if the political subdivision enacted and imposed the tax before the effective date of section 477A.016 and its predecessor provision.

(b) This section governs the imposition of a general sales tax by the political subdivision. The provisions of this section preempt the provisions of any special law:

(1) enacted before June 2, 1997, or

(2) enacted on or after June 2, 1997, that does not explicitly exempt the special law provision from this section's rules by reference.

(c) This section does not apply to or preempt a sales tax on motor vehicles or a special excise tax on motor vehicles.

Sec. 2.

new text begin [297A.992] METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AREA SALES TAX. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them: new text end

new text begin (1) "metropolitan transportation area" means the counties participating in the joint powers agreement under subdivision 3; new text end

new text begin (2) "eligible county" means the county of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington; new text end

new text begin (3) "committee" means the Grant Evaluation and Ranking System (GEARS) Committee; new text end

new text begin (4) "minimum guarantee county" means any metropolitan county or eligible county that is participating in the joint powers agreement under subdivision 3, whose proportion of the annual sales tax revenue under this section collected within that county is less than or equal to three percent; and new text end

new text begin (5) "population" means the population, as defined in section 477A.011, subdivision 3, estimated or established by July 15 of the year prior to the calendar year in which the representatives will serve on the Grant Evaluation and Ranking System Committee established under subdivision 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authorization; rates. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding section 297A.99, subdivisions 1, 2, and 3, or 477A.016, or any other law, the board of a county participating in a joint powers agreement as specified in this section shall impose by resolution (1) a transportation sales and use tax at a rate of one-quarter of one percent on retail sales and uses taxable under this chapter, and (2) an excise tax of $20 per motor vehicle purchased or acquired from any person engaged in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail, occurring within the jurisdiction of the taxing authority. The taxes authorized are to fund transportation improvements as specified in this section, including debt service on obligations issued to finance such improvements pursuant to subdivision 7. new text end

new text begin (b) The tax imposed under this section is not included in determining if the total tax on lodging in the city of Minneapolis exceeds the maximum allowed tax under Laws 1986, chapter 396, section 5, as amended by Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 12, section 87, or in determining a tax that may be imposed under any other limitations. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Joint powers agreement. new text end

new text begin Before imposing the taxes authorized in subdivision 2, an eligible county must declare by resolution of its county board to be part of the metropolitan transportation area and must enter into a joint powers agreement. The joint powers agreement: new text end

new text begin (1) must form a joint powers board, as specified in subdivision 4; new text end

new text begin (2) must provide a process that allows any eligible county, by resolution of its county board, to join the joint powers board and impose the taxes authorized in subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (3) may provide for withdrawal of a participating county before final termination of the agreement; and new text end

new text begin (4) may provide for a weighted voting system for joint powers board decisions. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Joint powers board. new text end

new text begin (a) The joint powers board must consist of one or more commissioners of each county that is in the metropolitan transportation area, appointed by its county board, and the chair of the Metropolitan Council, who must have voting rights, subject to subdivision 3, clause (4). The joint powers board has the powers and duties provided in this section and section 471.59. new text end

new text begin (b) The joint powers board may utilize no more than three-fourths of one percent of the proceeds of the taxes imposed under this section for ordinary administrative expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this section. Any additional administrative expenses must be paid by the participating counties. new text end

new text begin (c) The joint powers board may establish a technical advisory group that is separate from the GEARS Committee. The group must consist of representatives of cities, counties, or public agencies, including the Metropolitan Council. The technical advisory group must be used solely for technical consultation purposes. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Grant application and awards; Grant Evaluation and Ranking System (GEARS) Committee. new text end

new text begin (a) The joint powers board shall establish a grant application process and identify the amount of available funding for grant awards. Grant applications must be submitted in a form prescribed by the joint powers board. An applicant must provide, in addition to all other information required by the joint powers board, the estimated cost of the project, the amount of the grant sought, possible sources of funding in addition to the grant sought, and identification of any federal funds that will be utilized if the grant is awarded. A grant application seeking transit capital funding must identify the source of money necessary to operate the transit improvement. new text end

new text begin (b) The joint powers board shall establish a timeline and procedures for the award of grants, and may award grants only to the state and political subdivisions. The board shall define objective criteria for the award of grants, which must include, but not be limited to, consistency with the most recent version of the transportation policy plan adopted by the Metropolitan Council under section 473.146. The joint powers board shall maximize the availability and use of federal funds in projects funded under this section. new text end

new text begin (c) The joint powers board shall establish a GEARS Committee, which must consist of: new text end

new text begin (1) one county commissioner from each county that is in the metropolitan transportation area, appointed by its county board; new text end

new text begin (2) one elected city representative from each county that is in the metropolitan transportation area; new text end

new text begin (3) one additional elected city representative from each county for every additional 400,000 in population, or fraction of 400,000, in the county that is above 400,000 in population; and new text end

new text begin (4) the chair of the Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee. new text end

new text begin (d) Each city representative must be elected at a meeting of cities in the metropolitan transportation area, which must be convened for that purpose by the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities. new text end

new text begin (e) The committee shall evaluate grant applications following objective criteria established by the joint powers board, and must provide to the joint powers board a selection list of transportation projects that includes a priority ranking. new text end

new text begin (f) A grant award for a transit project located within the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, may be funded only after the Metropolitan Council reviews the project for consistency with the transit portion of the Metropolitan Council policy plan and one of the following occurs: new text end

new text begin (1) the Metropolitan Council finds the project to be consistent; new text end

new text begin (2) the Metropolitan Council initially finds the project to be inconsistent, but after a good faith effort to resolve the inconsistency through negotiations with the joint powers board, agrees that the grant award may be funded; or new text end

new text begin (3) the Metropolitan Council finds the project to be inconsistent, and submits the consistency issue for final determination to a panel, which determines the project to be consistent. The panel is composed of a member appointed by the chair of the Metropolitan Council, a member appointed by the joint powers board, and a member agreed upon by both the chair and the joint powers board. new text end

new text begin (g) Grants must be funded by the proceeds of the taxes imposed under this section, bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the joint powers board under subdivision 7. new text end

new text begin (h) Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, in fiscal year 2009, of the initial revenue collected under this section, the joint powers board shall allocate at least $30,783,000 to the Metropolitan Council for operating assistance for transit. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Allocation of grant awards. new text end

new text begin (a) The board must allocate grant awards only for the following transit purposes: new text end

new text begin (i) capital improvements to transit ways, including, but not limited to, commuter rail rolling stock, light rail vehicles, and transit way buses; new text end

new text begin (ii) capital costs for park-and-ride facilities, as defined in section 174.256, subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (iii) feasibility studies, planning, alternatives analyses, environmental studies, engineering, property acquisition for transit way purposes, and construction of transit ways; and new text end

new text begin (iv) operating assistance for transit ways. new text end

new text begin (b) The joint powers board must annually award grants to each minimum guarantee county in an amount no less than the amount of sales tax revenue collected within that county. new text end

new text begin (c) No more than 1.25 percent of the total awards may be annually allocated for planning, studies, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of pedestrian programs and bicycle programs and pathways. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Bonds. new text end

new text begin (a) The joint powers board or any county, acting under a joint powers agreement as specified in this section, may, by resolution, authorize, issue, and sell its bonds, notes, or other obligations for the purpose of funding grants under subdivision 6. The joint powers board or county may also, by resolution, issue bonds to refund the bonds issued pursuant to this subdivision. new text end

new text begin (b) The bonds of the joint powers board must be limited obligations, payable solely from or secured by taxes levied under this section. new text end

new text begin (c) The bonds of any county may be limited obligations, payable solely from or secured by taxes levied under this section. A county may also pledge its full faith, credit, and taxing power as additional security for the bonds. new text end

new text begin (d) Bonds may be issued in one or more series and sold without an election. The bonds shall be secured, bear the interest rate or rates or a variable rate, have the rank or priority, be executed in the manner, be payable in the manner, mature, and be subject to the defaults, redemptions, repurchases, tender options, or other terms, and shall be sold in such manner as the joint powers board, the regional railroad authority, or the county may determine. new text end

new text begin (e) The joint powers board or any regional railroad authority or any county may enter into and perform all contracts deemed necessary or desirable by it to issue and secure the bonds, including an indenture of trust with a trustee within or without the state. new text end

new text begin (f) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the bonds must be issued and sold in the manner provided under chapter 475. new text end

new text begin (g) The joint powers board or any regional railroad authority wholly within the metropolitan transportation area also may authorize, issue, and sell its bonds, notes, or other obligations for the purposes, and in accordance with the procedures, set forth in section 398A.07 to fund grants as provided in subdivision 6. The bonds of any regional railroad authority may be limited obligations, payable solely from or secured by taxes levied under this section. A regional railroad authority may also pledge its taxing powers as additional security for the bonds. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Allocation of revenues. new text end

new text begin After the deductions allowed in section 297A.99, subdivision 11, the commissioner of revenue shall remit the proceeds of the taxes imposed under this section on a monthly basis, as directed by the joint powers board under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Administration, collection, enforcement. new text end

new text begin Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of section 297A.99, subdivisions 4 and 6 to 12a, govern the administration, collection, and enforcement of the tax authorized under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Termination of taxes. new text end

new text begin (a) The taxes imposed under section 297A.99, subdivision 1, by a county that withdraws from the joint powers agreement pursuant to subdivision 3, clause (3), shall terminate when the county has satisfied its portion, as defined in the joint powers agreement, of all outstanding bonds or obligations entered into while the county was a member of the agreement. new text end

new text begin (b) If the joint powers agreement under subdivision 3 is terminated, the taxes imposed under section 297A.99, subdivision 1, at the time of the agreement termination will terminate when all outstanding bonds or obligations are satisfied. The auditors of the counties in which the taxes are imposed shall see to the administration of this paragraph. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The joint powers board shall report annually by February 1 to the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance concerning the revenues received and grants awarded. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Grant awards to Metropolitan Council. new text end

new text begin Any grant award under this section made to the Metropolitan Council must supplement, and must not supplant, operating and capital assistance provided by the state. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, except that subdivision 2 is effective the first day of a calendar quarter beginning at least 90 days after the formation of the joint powers board under subdivision 4. This section expires October 2, 2008, if the sales and use tax under subdivision 2 has not been imposed. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [297A.993] GREATER MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION SALES AND USE TAX. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization; rates. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding section 297A.99, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 13, or 477A.016, or any other law, the board of a county outside the metropolitan transportation area, as defined under section 297A.992, subdivision 1, or more than one county outside the metropolitan transportation area acting under a joint powers agreement, may impose (1) a transportation sales tax at a rate of up to one-half of one percent on retail sales and uses taxable under this chapter, and (2) an excise tax of $20 per motor vehicle purchased or acquired from any person engaged in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail, occurring within the jurisdiction of the taxing authority. The taxes imposed under this section are subject to approval by a majority of the voters in each of the counties affected at a general election who vote on the question to impose the taxes. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Allocation; termination. new text end

new text begin The proceeds of the taxes must be dedicated exclusively to payment of the cost of a specific transportation project or improvement. The transportation project or improvement must be designated by the board of the county, or more than one county acting under a joint powers agreement. The taxes must terminate after the project or improvement has been completed. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Administration, collection, enforcement. new text end

new text begin The administration, collection, and enforcement provisions in section 297A.99, subdivisions 4 and 6 to 12, apply to all taxes imposed under this section. new text end

ARTICLE 5

COUNTY STATE-AID HIGHWAY FUND DISTRIBUTION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 162.06, is amended to read:

162.06 ACCRUALS TO COUNTY STATE-AID HIGHWAY FUND; ACCOUNTS.

Subdivision 1.

Estimate.

new text begin (a) new text end By December 15 of each year the commissioner shall estimate the amount of money that will be available to the county state-aid highway fund during that fiscal year. The amount available must be based on actual receipts from July 1 through November 30, the unallocated fund balance, and the projected receipts for the remainder of the fiscal year. The deleted text begin total deleted text end new text begin amount new text end available, except for deductions as provided deleted text begin herein deleted text end new text begin in this section new text end , shall be apportioned by the commissioner to the counties as deleted text begin hereinafter deleted text end provided new text begin in section 162.07 new text end .

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, "amount available" means the amount estimated in paragraph (a). new text end

Subd. 2.

Administrative costs of department.

Two percent must be deducted from the deleted text begin total deleted text end amount available deleted text begin in the county state-aid highway fund deleted text end , set aside in a separate account, and used for administrative costs incurred by the state Transportation Department in carrying out the provisions relating to the county state-aid highway system.

Subd. 3.

Disaster account.

(a) After deducting administrative costs as provided in subdivision 2, the commissioner shall set aside each year deleted text begin a sum of money equal to deleted text end one percent of the deleted text begin remaining money in the county state-aid highway fund deleted text end new text begin amount available new text end to provide for a disaster account; provided that the total amount of money in the disaster account must never exceed two percent of the total sums to be apportioned to the counties. deleted text begin This sum deleted text end new text begin The money new text end must be used to provide aid to any county encountering disasters or unforeseen events affecting its county state-aid highway system, and resulting in an undue and burdensome financial hardship.

(b) Any county desiring aid by reason of disaster or unforeseen event shall request the aid in the form required by the commissioner. Upon receipt of the request, the commissioner shall appoint a board consisting of two representatives of the counties, who must be either a county engineer or member of a county board, from counties other than the requesting county, and a representative of the commissioner. The board shall investigate the matter and report its findings and recommendations in writing to the commissioner.

(c) Final determination of the amount of aid, if any, to be paid to the county from the disaster account must be made by the commissioner. Upon determining to aid a requesting county, the commissioner shall certify to the commissioner of finance the amount of the aid, and the commissioner of finance shall then issue a warrant in that amount payable to the county treasurer of the county. Money so paid must be expended on the county state-aid highway system in accordance with the rules of the commissioner.

Subd. 4.

Research account.

(a) Each year the screening board, provided for in section 162.07, subdivision 5, may recommend to the commissioner a sum of money that the commissioner shall set aside from the deleted text begin county state-aid highway fund deleted text end new text begin amount available new text end and credit to a research account. The amount so recommended and set aside shall not exceed one-half of one percent of the preceding year's deleted text begin apportionment sum deleted text end new text begin distribution amount, as defined in section 162.07, subdivision 1a new text end .

(b) Any money so set aside shall be used by the commissioner for the purpose of:

(1) conducting research for improving the design, construction, maintenance and environmental compatibility of state-aid highways and appurtenances;

(2) constructing research elements and reconstructing or replacing research elements that fail; and

(3) conducting programs for implementing and monitoring research results.

(c) Any balance remaining in the research account at the end of each year from the sum set aside for the year immediately previous, shall be transferred to the county state-aid highway fund.

Subd. 5.

State park road account.

After deducting for administrative costs and for the disaster account and research account deleted text begin as heretofore provided from the remainder of the total sum provided for in subdivision 1, there shall be deducted deleted text end new text begin from the amount available as provided in this section, the commissioner shall deduct new text end a sum equal to the three-quarters of one percent of the remainder. The sum so deducted shall be set aside in a separate account and shall be used for (1) the establishment, location, relocation, construction, reconstruction, and improvement of those roads included in the county state-aid highway system under Minnesota Statutes 1961, section 162.02, subdivision 6, which border and provide substantial access to an outdoor recreation unit as defined in section 86A.04 or which provide access to the headquarters of or the principal parking lot located within such a unit, and (2) the reconstruction, improvement, repair, and maintenance of county roads, city streets, and town roads that provide access to public lakes, rivers, state parks, and state campgrounds. Roads described in clause (2) are not required to meet county state-aid highway standards. At the request of the commissioner of natural resources the counties wherein such roads are located shall do such work as requested in the same manner as on any county state-aid highway and shall be reimbursed for such construction, reconstruction, or improvements from the amount set aside by this subdivision. Before requesting a county to do work on a county state-aid highway as provided in this subdivision, the commissioner of natural resources must obtain approval for the project from the County State-Aid Screening Board. The screening board, before giving its approval, must obtain a written comment on the project from the county engineer of the county requested to undertake the project. Before requesting a county to do work on a county road, city street, or a town road that provides access to a public lake, a river, a state park, or a state campground, the commissioner of natural resources shall obtain a written comment on the project from the county engineer of the county requested to undertake the project. Any sums paid to counties or cities in accordance with this subdivision shall reduce the money needs of said counties or cities in the amounts necessary to equalize their status with those counties or cities not receiving such payments. Any balance of the amount so set aside, at the end of each year shall be transferred to the county state-aid highway fund.

Subd. 6.

County state-aid highway revolving loan account.

A county state-aid highway revolving loan account is created in the transportation revolving loan fund. The commissioner may transfer to the account the amount allocated under section 162.065. Money in the account may be used to make loans. Funds in the county state-aid highway revolving loan account may be used only for aid in the construction, improvement, and maintenance of county state-aid highways. Funds in the account may not be used for any toll facilities project or congestion-pricing project. Repayments and interest from loans from the county state-aid highway revolving loan account must be credited to that account. Money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner and does not lapse. Interest earned from investment of money in this account must be deposited in the county state-aid highway revolving loan account.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 162.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Formula deleted text end new text begin Apportionment sum new text end .

deleted text begin After deducting for administrative costs and for the disaster account and research account and state park roads as heretofore provided, the remainder of the total sum provided for in section 162.06, subdivision 1, shall be identified as the apportionment sum and shall be apportioned by the commissioner to the several counties on the basis of the needs of the counties as determined in accordance with the following formula: deleted text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall apportion the apportionment sum, as calculated in subdivision 1a, to the several counties as provided in paragraphs (b) to (e). new text end

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end An amount equal to ten percent of the apportionment sum shall be apportioned equally among the 87 counties.

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end An amount equal to ten percent of the apportionment sum shall be apportioned among the several counties so that each county shall receive of such amount the percentage that its motor vehicle registration for the calendar year preceding the one last past, determined by residence of registrants, bears to the total statewide motor vehicle registration.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end An amount equal to 30 percent of the apportionment sum shall be apportioned among the several counties so that each county shall receive of such amount the percentage that its total lane-miles of approved county state-aid highways bears to the total lane-miles of approved statewide county state-aid highways. In 1997 and subsequent years no county may receive, as a result of an apportionment under this clause based on lane-miles rather than miles of approved county state-aid highways, an apportionment that is less than its apportionment in 1996.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end An amount equal to 50 percent of the apportionment sum shall be apportioned among the several counties so that each county shall receive of such amount the percentage that its money needs bears to the sum of the money needs of all of the individual counties; provided, that the percentage of such amount that each county is to receive shall be adjusted so that each county shall receive in 1958 a total apportionment at least ten percent greater than its total 1956 apportionments from the state road and bridge fund; and provided further that those counties whose money needs are thus adjusted shall never receive a percentage of the apportionment sum less than the percentage that such county received in 1958.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 162.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Apportionment sum and excess sum. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this subdivision, "distribution amount" means the amount identified in section 162.06, subdivision 1, after the deductions provided for in section 162.06 for administrative costs, disaster account, research account, and state park road account. new text end

new text begin (b) The apportionment sum is calculated by subtracting the excess sum, as calculated in paragraph (c), from the distribution amount. new text end

new text begin (c) The excess sum is calculated as the sum of revenue within the distribution amount: new text end

new text begin (1) attributed to that portion of the gasoline excise tax rate under section 296A.07, subdivision 3, in excess of 20 cents per gallon, and to that portion of the excise tax rates in excess of the energy equivalent of a gasoline excise tax rate of 20 cents per gallon for E85 and M85 under section 296A.07, subdivision 3, and special fuel under section 296A.08, subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (2) attributed to a change in the passenger vehicle registration tax under section 168.013, imposed on or after July 1, 2008, that exceeds (i) the amount collected in fiscal year 2008, multiplied by (ii) the annual average United States Consumer Price Index for the calendar year previous to the current calendar year, divided by the annual average United States Consumer Price Index for calendar year 2007; and new text end

new text begin (3) attributed to that portion of the motor vehicle sales tax revenue in excess of the percentage allocated to the county state-aid highway fund in fiscal year 2007. new text end

new text begin (d) For purposes of this subdivision, the United States Consumer Price Index identified in paragraph (c) is for all urban consumers, United States city average, as determined by the United States Department of Labor. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 162.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1c. new text end

new text begin Excess sum. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall apportion the excess sum, as calculated in subdivision 1a, to the several counties as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c). new text end

new text begin (b) An amount equal to 40 percent must be apportioned among the several counties so that each county receives of that amount the percentage that its motor vehicle registration for the calendar year preceding the one last past, determined by residence of registrants, bears to the total statewide motor vehicle registration. new text end

new text begin (c) An amount equal to 60 percent must be apportioned among the several counties so that each county receives of that amount the percentage that its money needs bears to the sum of the money needs of all of the individual counties. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION. new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes shall renumber Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 162.07, subdivision 1, as subdivision 1b. new text end

ARTICLE 6

OTHER TRANSPORTATION FINANCE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.84, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Scope.

The terms used in sections 160.84 to have the meanings given them in this section and section 160.02.

Sec. 2.

new text begin [160.845] RESTRICTIONS ON TOLL FACILITY. new text end

new text begin (a) A road authority, including the governing body of a city, or a private operator may not convert, transfer, or utilize any portion of a highway to impose tolls or for use as a toll facility. A road authority, including the governing body of a city, or a private operator may not limit operation of a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 75, to a toll facility or otherwise require that a commercial motor vehicle use the tolled portion of a highway. new text end

new text begin (b) This section does not apply to (1) any toll facility or high-occupancy vehicle lane constructed, converted, or established before September 1, 2007, (2) any additional lane, including a priced dynamic shoulder lane, high-occupancy vehicle lane, or high-occupancy toll lane, added to a highway after September 1, 2007, and (3) any other general purpose lane that adds capacity. 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

Sec. 3.

new text begin [160.98] PROHIBITION ON ROAD AND BRIDGE PRIVATIZATION. new text end

new text begin A road authority may not sell, lease, execute a development agreement for a BOT facility or BTO facility that transfers an existing highway lane, or otherwise relinquish management of a highway, if the highway is retained or utilized by the buyer, lessor, or operator for highway purposes. Nothing in this section prevents sale, reconveyance, or easements under sections 160.274, 161.23, 161.41, 161.411, 161.431, 161.44, 161.442, or any other similar provision. 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

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.081, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Flexible highway account; turnback accounts.

(a) The flexible highway account is created in the state treasury. Money in the account deleted text begin may deleted text end new text begin shall new text end be used deleted text begin either for the deleted text end new text begin : new text end

new text begin (1) in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, 100 percent of the excess sum, as calculated in paragraph (i), and in fiscal years 2011 and thereafter, 50 percent of the excess sum, as calculated in paragraph (i), for counties in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4, but for the purposes of the calculation cities of the first class will be excluded in the metropolitan area; and new text end

new text begin (2) of the amount available in the flexible highway account less the amount under clause (1), as determined by the commissioner under this section for: new text end

new text begin (i) new text end restoration of former trunk highways that have reverted to counties or to statutory or home rule charter cities deleted text begin or for regular trunk highway purposes deleted text end new text begin , or for trunk highways that will be restored and subsequently turned back by agreement between the commissioner and the local road authority; new text end

new text begin (ii) safety improvements on county highways, municipal highways, streets, or town roads; and new text end

new text begin (iii) routes of regional significance new text end .

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "restoration" means the level of effort required to improve the route that will be turned back to an acceptable condition as determined by agreement made between the commissioner and the county or city before the route is turned back.

(c) The commissioner shall review the need for funds to restore highways that have been or will be turned back deleted text begin and the need for funds for the trunk highway system deleted text end . The commissioner shall determine, on a biennial basis, the percentage of deleted text begin this deleted text end new text begin funds in the new text end flexible new text begin highway new text end account to be new text begin distributed to each district, and within each district the percentage to be new text end used for deleted text begin county turnbacks, for municipal turnbacks, and for regular trunk highway projects deleted text end new text begin each of the purposes specified in paragraph (a). Money in the account may be used for safety improvements and routes of regional significance only after money is set aside to restore the identified turnbacks new text end . The commissioner shall make deleted text begin this determination deleted text end new text begin these determinations new text end only after meeting and holding discussions with committees selected by the statewide associations of both county commissioners and municipal officials. new text begin The commissioner shall, to the extent feasible, annually allocate 50 percent of the funds in the flexible highway account to the department's metropolitan district, and 50 percent to districts in greater Minnesota. new text end

(d) Money that will be used for the restoration of trunk highways that have reverted or that will revert to cities must be deposited in the municipal turnback account, which is created in the state treasury.

(e) Money that will be used for the restoration of trunk highways that have reverted or that will revert to counties must be deposited in the county turnback account, which is created in the state treasury.

(f) new text begin Money that will be used for safety improvements must be deposited in the highway safety improvement account, which is created in the state treasury to be used as grants to statutory or home rule charter cities, towns, and counties to assist in paying the costs of constructing or reconstructing city streets, county highways, or town roads to reduce crashes, deaths, injuries, and property damage. new text end

new text begin (g) Money that will be used for routes of regional significance must be deposited in the routes of regional significance account, which is created in the state treasury, and used as grants to statutory or home rule charter cities, towns, and counties to assist in paying the costs of constructing or reconstructing city streets, county highways, or town roads with statewide or regional significance that have not been fully funded through other state, federal, or local funding sources. new text end

new text begin (h) new text end As part of each biennial budget submission to the legislature, the commissioner shall describe how the money in the flexible highway account will be apportioned among the county turnback account, the municipal turnback account, deleted text begin and deleted text end the trunk highway fund new text begin for routes turned back to local governments by agreement, the highway safety improvement account, and the routes of regional significance account new text end .

deleted text begin (g) Money apportioned from the flexible highway account to the trunk highway fund must be used for state road construction and engineering costs. deleted text end

new text begin (i) The excess sum is calculated as the sum of revenue within the flexible highway account: new text end

new text begin (1) attributed to that portion of the gasoline excise tax rate under section 296A.07, subdivision 3, in excess of 20 cents per gallon, and to that portion of the excise tax rates in excess of the energy equivalent of a gasoline excise tax rate of 20 cents per gallon for E85 and M85 under section 296A.07, subdivision 3, and special fuel under section 296A.08, subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (2) attributed to a change in the passenger vehicle registration tax under section 168.013, imposed on or after July 1, 2008, that exceeds (i) the amount collected in fiscal year 2008, multiplied by (ii) the annual average United States Consumer Price Index for the calendar year previous to the current calendar year, divided by the annual average United States Consumer Price Index for calendar year 2007; and new text end

new text begin (3) attributed to that portion of the motor vehicle sales tax revenue in excess of the percentage allocated to the flexible highway account in fiscal year 2007. new text end

new text begin (j) For purposes of this subdivision, the United States Consumer Price Index identified in paragraph (i), clause (2), is for all urban consumers, United States city average, as determined by the United States Department of Labor. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Paragraph (h) is effective January 1, 2009, and the remainder of this section is effective July 1, 2009. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [165.14] TRUNK HIGHWAY BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "program" means the trunk highway bridge improvement program established under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program created. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop a trunk highway bridge improvement program for accelerating repair and replacement of trunk highway bridges throughout the state. The program receives funding for bridge projects as specified by law. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall develop an inventory of bridges included in the program. The inventory must include all bridges on the trunk highway system in Minnesota that are classified as fracture-critical or structurally deficient, or constitute a priority project, as identified by the commissioner. In determining whether a bridge is a priority project, the commissioner may consider national bridge inventory (NBI) condition codes, bridge classification as functionally obsolete, the year in which the bridge was built, the history of bridge maintenance and inspection report findings, the average daily traffic count, engineering judgments with respect to the safety or condition of the bridge, and any other factors specifically identified by the commissioner. new text end

new text begin (b) For each bridge included in the inventory, the commissioner must provide the following information: a summary of the bridge, including but not limited to, county and department district, route number, feature crossed, the year in which the bridge was built, average daily traffic count, load rating, bridge length and deck area, and main span type; the condition ratings for the deck, superstructure, and substructure; identification of whether the bridge is structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or fracture-critical; the sufficiency rating; a brief description of the work planned for the bridge, including work type needed; an estimate of total costs related to the bridge, which may include general and planning cost estimates; and, the year or range of years in which the work is planned. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Prioritization of bridge projects. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall classify all bridges in the program into tier 1, 2, or 3 bridges, where tier 1 is the highest tier. Unless the commissioner identifies a reason for proceeding otherwise, before commencing bridge projects in a lower tier, all bridge projects within a higher tier must to the extent feasible be selected and funded in the approved state transportation improvement program, at any stage in the project development process, solicited for bids, in contract negotiation, under construction, or completed. new text end

new text begin (b) The classification of each tier is as follows: new text end

new text begin (1) tier 1 consists of any bridge in the program that (i) has an average daily traffic count that is above 1,000 and has a sufficiency rating that is at or below 50, or (ii) is identified by the commissioner as a priority project; new text end

new text begin (2) tier 2 consists of any bridge that is not a tier 1 bridge, and (i) is classified as fracture-critical, or (ii) has a sufficiency rating that is at or below 80; and new text end

new text begin (3) tier 3 consists of any other bridge in the program that is not a tier 1 or tier 2 bridge. new text end

new text begin (c) By June 30, 2018, all tier 1 and tier 2 bridges originally included in the program must be under contract for repair or replacement with a new bridge that contains a load-path-redundant design, except that a specific bridge may remain in continued service if the reasons are documented in the report required under subdivision 5. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall establish criteria for determining the priority of bridge projects within each tier, and must include safety considerations as a criterion. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Statewide transportation planning report. new text end

new text begin In conjunction with each update to the Minnesota statewide transportation plan, or at least every six years, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance. The report must include: new text end

new text begin (1) an explanation of the criteria and decision-making processes used to prioritize bridge projects; new text end

new text begin (2) a historical and projected analysis of the extent to which all trunk highway bridges meet bridge performance targets; new text end

new text begin (3) a summary of bridge projects (i) completed in the previous six years or since the last update to the Minnesota statewide transportation plan, and (ii) currently in progress under the program; new text end

new text begin (4) a summary of bridge projects scheduled in the next four fiscal years and included in the state transportation improvement program; new text end

new text begin (5) a projection of annual needs over the next 20 years; new text end

new text begin (6) a calculation funding necessary to meet the completion date under subdivision 4, paragraph (c), compared to the total amount of bridge-related funding available; and new text end

new text begin (7) for any tier 1 fracture-critical bridge that is repaired but not replaced, an explanation of the reasons for repair instead of replacement. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Annual report. new text end

new text begin Annually by January 15, the commissioner shall submit a report on the program to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance. The report must include the inventory information required under subdivision 3, and an analysis, including any recommendations for changes, of the adequacy and efficacy of (1) the program requirements under subdivision 3, and (2) the prioritization requirements under subdivision 4. 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

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 171.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Reinstatement fees and surcharges allocated and appropriated.

(a) An individual whose driver's license has been revoked as provided in subdivision 1, except under section 169A.52, 169A.54, or 609.21, must pay a $30 fee before the driver's license is reinstated.

(b) A person whose driver's license has been revoked as provided in subdivision 1 under section 169A.52, 169A.54, or 609.21, must pay a $250 fee plus a deleted text begin $40 deleted text end new text begin $430 new text end surcharge before the driver's license is reinstated new text begin , except as provided in paragraph (f) new text end . deleted text begin Beginning July 1, 2002, the surcharge is $145. Beginning July 1, 2003, the surcharge is $430. deleted text end The $250 fee is to be credited as follows:

(1) Twenty percent must be credited to the driver services operating account in the special revenue fund as specified in section 299A.705.

(2) Sixty-seven percent must be credited to the general fund.

(3) Eight percent must be credited to a separate account to be known as the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension account. Money in this account may be appropriated to the commissioner of public safety and the appropriated amount must be apportioned 80 percent for laboratory costs and 20 percent for carrying out the provisions of section 299C.065.

(4) Five percent must be credited to a separate account to be known as the vehicle forfeiture account, which is created in the special revenue fund. The money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner for costs of handling vehicle forfeitures.

(c) The revenue from $50 of deleted text begin each deleted text end new text begin the new text end surcharge must be credited to a separate account to be known as the traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury account. new text begin The revenue from $50 of the surcharge on a reinstatement under paragraph (f) is credited from the first installment payment to the traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury account. new text end The money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of health to be used as follows: 83 percent for contracts with a qualified community-based organization to provide information, resources, and support to assist persons with traumatic brain injury and their families to access services, and 17 percent to maintain the traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury registry created in section 144.662. For the purposes of this paragraph, a "qualified community-based organization" is a private, not-for-profit organization of consumers of traumatic brain injury services and their family members. The organization must be registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3) as a tax-exempt organization and must have as its purposes:

(1) the promotion of public, family, survivor, and professional awareness of the incidence and consequences of traumatic brain injury;

(2) the provision of a network of support for persons with traumatic brain injury, their families, and friends;

(3) the development and support of programs and services to prevent traumatic brain injury;

(4) the establishment of education programs for persons with traumatic brain injury; and

(5) the empowerment of persons with traumatic brain injury through participation in its governance.

A patient's name, identifying information, or identifiable medical data must not be disclosed to the organization without the informed voluntary written consent of the patient or patient's guardian or, if the patient is a minor, of the parent or guardian of the patient.

(d) The remainder of the surcharge must be credited to a separate account to be known as the remote electronic alcohol-monitoring program account. The commissioner shall transfer the balance of this account to the commissioner of finance on a monthly basis for deposit in the general fund.

(e) When these fees are collected by a licensing agent, appointed under section 171.061, a handling charge is imposed in the amount specified under section 171.061, subdivision 4. The reinstatement fees and surcharge must be deposited in an approved depository as directed under section 171.061, subdivision 4.

new text begin (f) A person whose driver's license has been revoked as provided in subdivision 1 under section 169A.52 or 169A.54 and who the court certifies as being financially eligible for a public defender under section 611.17, may choose to pay 50 percent and an additional $25 of the total amount of the surcharge and 50 percent of the fee required under paragraph (b) to reinstate the person's driver's license, provided the person meets all other requirements of reinstatement. If a person chooses to pay 50 percent of the total and an additional $25, the driver's license must expire after two years. The person must pay an additional 50 percent less $25 of the total to extend the license for an additional two years, provided the person is otherwise still eligible for the license. After this final payment of the surcharge and fee, the license may be renewed on a standard schedule, as provided under section 171.27. A handling charge may be imposed for each installment payment. Revenue from the handling charge is credited to the driver services operating account in the special revenue fund and is appropriated to the commissioner. new text end

new text begin (g) Any person making installment payments under paragraph (f), whose driver's license subsequently expires, or is canceled, revoked, or suspended before payment of 100 percent of the surcharge and fee, must pay the outstanding balance due for the initial reinstatement before the driver's license is subsequently reinstated. Upon payment of the outstanding balance due for the initial reinstatement, the person may pay any new surcharge and fee imposed under paragraph (b) in installment payments as provided under paragraph (f). new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2009. new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [398A.10] TRANSIT FUNDING. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Capital costs. new text end

new text begin A county regional railroad authority may not contribute more than ten percent of the capital costs of a light rail transit or commuter rail project. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Operating and maintenance costs. new text end

new text begin A county regional railroad authority may not contribute any funds to pay the operating and maintenance costs for a light rail transit or commuter rail project. If a county regional railroad authority is contributing funds for operating and maintenance costs on a light rail transit or commuter rail project on the date of the enactment of this act, the authority may continue to contribute funds for these purposes until January 1, 2009. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin This section only applies if a county has imposed the metropolitan transportation sales and use tax under section 297A.992. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the metropolitan transportation area sales tax is imposed under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.992, subdivision 2. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin FUNDING FOR RAIL TRANSIT WAYS. new text end

new text begin In order to accelerate the development of metropolitan area rail transit projects, reduce construction costs, provide transportation options, increase mobility, support economic growth, and meet environmental challenges, the Metropolitan Council shall initiate negotiations with the federal Transit Administration to secure federal funds for a single comprehensive program of rail transit way development, to include Rush Line, Red Rock, Southwest Corridor, and an extension of NorthStar commuter rail to St. Cloud. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS ADVISORY TASK FORCE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; duties. new text end

new text begin A task force is established to advise the governor and the legislature on management and operations strategies that will improve efficiency in transportation. The task force must provide an assessment that identifies strategies and makes recommendations, including any proposals for legislative changes, to improve efficiency in (1) state transportation construction and maintenance projects, and (2) management of state transportation infrastructure. In developing its assessment, the task force may consider best practices in business and construction management; efficiency concepts in academic, business, or other environments; and, how requirements under law affect transportation efficiency. The assessment provided by the task force must include, but is not limited to, analysis of the project development process, cost estimation, bidding and award of contracts, contract management, cost overruns, and construction project oversight by the Department of Transportation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin The advisory task force consists of the following members: new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner of transportation, or the commissioner's designee; new text end

new text begin (2) the chair of the Metropolitan Council, or the chair's designee; new text end

new text begin (3) one person appointed by the governor as a representative of the construction industry, who has expertise in transportation construction projects; new text end

new text begin (4) three persons appointed by the governor from a postsecondary academic institution, who have expertise in applied economics, organizational efficiency, or business management; new text end

new text begin (5) three persons appointed by the governor from the private sector, who have expertise in management or corporate efficiency but would not qualify for membership under clause (3); new text end

new text begin (6) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; new text end

new text begin (7) one person appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives who is a member of organized labor; new text end

new text begin (8) two members of the senate appointed by the senate committee on rules and administration under the rules of the senate; and new text end

new text begin (9) one person appointed by the senate committee on rules and administration under the rules of the senate who is a member of organized labor. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Appointment of members. new text end

new text begin The appointments and designations authorized by this section must be completed by August 1, 2008. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Staffing support. new text end

new text begin Upon request of the task force, the commissioner of administration must provide meeting space and administrative services. The commissioner of transportation shall provide information and other assistance as requested by the task force. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Administrative provisions. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation, or the commissioner's designee, must convene the initial meeting of the task force. The members of the task force must elect a chair or cochairs at the initial meeting. new text end

new text begin (b) Public members of the task force serve without compensation or payment of expenses. new text end

new text begin (c) The task force may accept gifts and grants, which are accepted on behalf of the state and constitute donations to the state. Funds received under this paragraph are appropriated to the commissioner of administration for purposes of the task force. new text end

new text begin (d) The task force expires May 31, 2009. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By December 15, 2008, the task force shall submit a report on transportation management and operations efficiency strategies to the governor and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance. 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

Presented to the governor February 21, 2008

Vetoed by the governor February 22, 2008

Reconsidered and approved by the legislature after the governor's veto February 25, 2008