This bill seeks to amend Minnesota's transportation laws by introducing enhanced requirements for highway project development and environmental considerations. A key feature is the establishment of a policy advisory committee composed of local officials, which must evaluate and approve alternative designs for highway projects before they can proceed. The committee is required to adopt bylaws that govern its operations, including protocols for public meetings to ensure community engagement. Additionally, the bill mandates a cumulative impacts analysis for certain highway projects, particularly those affecting environmental justice areas, to assess potential adverse effects on local communities.

The legislation also introduces new requirements for public meetings and community benefit agreements in environmental justice areas, including the obligation to publish impact analyses on relevant websites at least 30 days before public meetings. These meetings must facilitate robust engagement from the public and Tribal communities, allowing for both written and oral comments. The bill further establishes the position of an environmental justice ombudsperson within the commissioner’s office to address issues related to environmental justice, oversee transportation cumulative impacts analyses, and advocate for community involvement. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, community participation, and accountability in transportation planning and project execution, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by environmental issues.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.065, 161.045, 174.02
1st Engrossment: 116.065, 161.045, 174.02