This bill seeks to improve transparency and community engagement in the development of trunk highway projects in Minnesota by introducing new requirements for community notifications. The commissioner is mandated to provide detailed information about major highway projects to residents, property owners, and businesses within a half-mile of the project area, including translated materials for non-English speakers. Additionally, the bill establishes community advisory assemblies and policy advisory committees for each project to ensure local input in decision-making processes. The effective date for these community notification requirements is set for January 1, 2026, for projects entering the state transportation improvement program after that date.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing statutes related to trunk highway performance and project reporting by removing certain reporting requirements while emphasizing performance measures and targets. It mandates the creation of a Transportation Project Activity Portal, which will serve as a centralized online resource for comprehensive information on highway projects, including interactive mapping and project details. The commissioner is also required to submit annual reports on trunk highway performance measures and project impacts. The bill includes an appropriation from the trunk highway fund to support the implementation of the new portal requirements and introduces new definitions while removing outdated legal language related to major highway projects.

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