This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning transportation, with a particular emphasis on project assessment criteria and greenhouse gas emissions targets. It redefines "capacity expansion project" to necessitate 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 ensure alignment with greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, allowing evaluations that consider net emissions reductions from related projects. New criteria for impact mitigation are introduced, requiring interlinking of projects to offset greenhouse gas emissions and prioritizing localized mitigation actions.

Additionally, the bill updates the state's transportation policy goals to focus on minimizing fatalities and injuries, enhancing economic development, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. It establishes greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that align with these goals and mandates the revision of the statewide multimodal transportation plan every five years. A significant addition is the requirement that any vehicle miles traveled reduction targets will be secondary to the transportation system's safety and economic well-being goals. The bill also creates a transportation impact assessment and mitigation account to fund related activities, ensuring that resources are directed towards projects that effectively reduce traffic fatalities and improve safety. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment.

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