This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning transportation, with a focus on project assessment criteria and greenhouse gas emissions targets. It redefines "capacity expansion project" to require a total construction cost of at least $30 million and raises the threshold for additional lane miles from 2,500 to 5,000. The assessment process for projects in state and metropolitan transportation improvement programs is modified to emphasize alignment with greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and allows for evaluations that consider net emissions reductions from related projects. Additionally, the bill establishes a transportation impact assessment and mitigation account to fund initiatives aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and enhancing safety.

The bill also updates the goals of the state transportation system to prioritize safety, multimodal access, and environmental considerations, introducing new greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that align with these objectives. It mandates that the statewide multimodal transportation plan be revised every five years to incorporate the state transportation system's goals, establish objectives, and identify performance targets for measuring progress. A notable addition is that any vehicle miles traveled reduction targets will be secondary to the transportation system's safety and economic well-being goals. The bill specifies that these new requirements will take effect the day after final enactment, ensuring prompt implementation in future transportation planning efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 161.178, 174.01, 174.03
1st Engrossment: 161.178, 174.01, 174.03