The proposed bill seeks to enhance Minnesota's transportation laws by introducing new requirements for highway project development and environmental considerations. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of a policy advisory committee tasked with evaluating alternative designs for federally funded transportation projects, which must receive approval before any project can move forward. This committee will include local officials and is required to adopt bylaws that govern its operations, ensuring public engagement through established meeting protocols. Additionally, the bill mandates a cumulative impacts analysis for trunk highway projects that may affect environmental justice areas, ensuring thorough assessment of potential adverse impacts on health and the environment.

Significant amendments include the introduction of definitions related to highway purposes and the creation of an environmental justice ombudsperson position. The bill also specifies permissible uses of highway funds and imposes limitations on expenditures from the highway user tax distribution fund and trunk highway fund, notably removing eligibility for certain expenditures like driver education programs and tourism kiosks. To promote transparency, the commissioner is required to report annually on the policy advisory committee's activities and public feedback. Furthermore, the bill enhances public engagement by mandating the publication of impact analyses prior to public meetings and facilitating robust engagement with the community and Tribal entities. It also establishes community benefit agreements to address specific local needs, such as reducing transportation pollutants and mitigating environmental impacts.

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