This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the development of trunk highway projects in Minnesota by modifying existing statutes and introducing new requirements. Key provisions include the establishment of a centralized transportation project activity portal, which will provide comprehensive information on highway projects, project development, and related activities. The portal will feature interactive mapping, project descriptions, timelines, fiscal overviews, and public meeting details, ensuring that the information is accessible and understandable to the general public. Additionally, the bill mandates the implementation of performance measures and targets for the trunk highway system to improve infrastructure resilience and achieve state transportation goals.

The bill also amends several existing statutes, including Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 161.178, 174.03, 174.07, and 174.56, to reflect these changes. Notably, it deletes certain reporting requirements while introducing new reporting obligations focused on trunk highway performance and department activities. The commissioner of transportation is required to submit annual reports detailing progress on state transportation goals, budget comparisons, and performance measures. Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds from the trunk highway fund to support the implementation of the new project activity portal, ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated for this initiative.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 161.178, 174.03, 174.07, 174.56