This bill establishes new requirements for the maintenance and expansion of Minnesota's trunk highway system, focusing on limiting capacity expansion projects under certain conditions and mandating the creation of transportation asset management plans. It introduces a new section, [161.1775] TRUNK HIGHWAY SYSTEM EXPANSION AND MAINTENANCE, which outlines definitions and applications for capacity expansion projects, emphasizing that such projects cannot be included in transportation improvement programs if there are identified performance gaps in pavements or bridges. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to develop maintenance plans for major highway projects that analyze fiscal impacts and ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability. Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 174.03, by adding subdivisions that mandate the preparation of a ten-year capital highway investment plan and a risk-based transportation asset management plan. These plans must include detailed assessments of funding needs, asset inventories, and performance measures to ensure effective management of transportation investments. The bill also introduces a fiscal transparency dashboard that will be available on the department's website by January 1, 2027, summarizing fiscal information related to expenditures and performance gaps, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency in transportation funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 174.03