This bill seeks to enhance Minnesota's transportation laws by introducing stricter 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 include public meeting protocols 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.

Moreover, the legislation introduces new requirements for public meetings and community benefit agreements, particularly in environmental justice areas. It stipulates that entities must publish impact analyses on their websites at least 30 days before public meetings and facilitate robust engagement from the community and Tribal representatives. The bill also creates the position of an environmental justice ombudsperson within the commissioner’s office to address issues related to environmental justice, focusing on advocacy, dispute resolution, and monitoring impacts. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, community involvement, and environmental accountability in transportation planning and funding.

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