2006 Minnesota Statutes

174.86 COMMUTER RAIL PLAN; REVIEW.
    Subdivision 1. Advanced corridor plan; public hearing. Before a final design plan is
prepared for commuter rail facilities, the commissioner must hold a public hearing on the physical
design component of the advanced corridor plan. The commissioner must provide appropriate
public notice of the hearing and publicity to ensure that affected parties have an opportunity
to present their views at the hearing. The commissioner shall summarize the proceedings and
testimony and maintain the record of a hearing held under this subdivision, including any written
statements submitted.
    Subd. 2. Physical design component; local participation. At least 30 days before the
hearing under subdivision 1, the commissioner shall submit the physical design component of the
advanced corridor plan to the governing body of each statutory and home rule charter city, county,
and town in which the route is to be located. Within 45 days after the hearing under subdivision 1,
the city, county, or town shall review and comment on the plan. Within 45 days of the hearing, a
city or town shall approve or disapprove the location and design of the station to be located in
the city or town. A city or town that disapproves shall describe specific amendments to the plan
that, if adopted, would cause the city or town to withdraw its disapproval. Failure to comment in
writing within 45 days after the hearing is deemed to be accepted unless an extension of time is
agreed to by the metropolitan planning organization and the commissioner of transportation.
    Subd. 3. Modification of advanced corridor plan. After the hearing under subdivision
1, and after the receipt of comment under subdivision 2, the commissioner may modify the
advanced corridor plan.
    Subd. 4. Advanced corridor plan; metropolitan planning organization review. Before
constructing commuter rail facilities, the commissioner shall submit the advanced corridor plan to
each metropolitan planning organization in which the route is to be located. The metropolitan
planning organization shall hold a hearing on the plan allowing the commissioner, local
governmental units, and other persons to present their views as to whether the plan is consistent
with the metropolitan planning organization's development guide. Within 60 days after the hearing,
the metropolitan planning organization shall review the plan submitted by the commissioner to
determine whether it is consistent with the development guide. If the plan is consistent with the
development guide, the metropolitan planning organization shall approve it. If the plan is not
consistent with the development guide, the metropolitan planning organization shall submit to
the commissioner proposed amendments to the plan to make it consistent with the development
guide. The commissioner shall incorporate the proposed amendments into the final design plan.
    Subd. 5. Commuter Rail Corridor Coordinating Committee. (a) A Commuter Rail
Corridor Coordinating Committee shall be established to advise the commissioner on issues
relating to the alternatives analysis, environmental review, advanced corridor planning,
preliminary engineering, final design, implementation method, construction of commuter rail,
public involvement, land use, service, and safety. The Commuter Rail Corridor Coordinating
Committee shall consist of:
(1) one member representing each significant funding partner in whose jurisdiction the line
or lines are located;
(2) one member appointed by each county in which the corridors are located;
(3) one member appointed by each city in which advanced corridor plans indicate that
a station may be located;
(4) two members appointed by the commissioner, one of whom shall be designated by the
commissioner as the chair of the committee;
(5) one member appointed by each metropolitan planning organization through which the
commuter rail line may pass; and
(6) one member appointed by the president of the University of Minnesota, if a designated
corridor provides direct service to the university.
(b) A joint powers board existing on April 1, 1999, consisting of local governments along
a commuter rail corridor, shall perform the functions set forth in paragraph (a) in place of the
committee.
(c) Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 5, the committee does not expire.
History: 1999 c 230 s 22; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 80