This bill aims to enhance transparency in the development of trunk highway projects in Minnesota by establishing a transportation project activity portal and modifying existing legislative reporting requirements. Key provisions include the creation of a centralized online portal that will provide comprehensive information on highway projects, including project descriptions, timelines, fiscal overviews, and public engagement opportunities. The portal will also feature a geographic information system interface for interactive mapping of projects and analysis activities. Additionally, the bill mandates the commissioner of transportation to implement performance measures and targets for the trunk highway system, ensuring that the planning process includes asset inventories, gap identification, and life cycle assessments.

The bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes, including the replacement of the term "major highway project" with updated definitions and the removal of certain reporting requirements. It also introduces new reporting obligations that focus on trunk highway performance measures and the department's progress toward state transportation goals. An appropriation is included to fund the implementation of the new portal, ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated for this initiative. Overall, the bill seeks to improve accountability and public access to information regarding transportation projects in the state.

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