This bill mandates the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to improve the evaluation and planning processes for transportation projects by introducing new requirements for developing a "purpose and need" statement. This statement must consider all potential approaches to address transportation issues without prematurely identifying specific improvements. The bill emphasizes stakeholder engagement and the use of context-specific scoping documents to align projects with community needs and safety considerations. It also requires a multidisciplinary review process and the use of alternative metrics for assessing project needs, moving away from traditional level-of-service metrics.

Additionally, the bill establishes a transportation ombudsperson to facilitate dispute resolution and ensure compliance with new statutory requirements. It mandates internal compliance audits and performance reviews for department supervisors that include evaluations of their adherence to the new standards. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 174.75, subdivision 2a, to enhance guidance for the complete streets policy, focusing on safety and mobility for vulnerable road users and requiring analysis of speed limit reductions and roadway design modifications. The effective date for these provisions is set for March 1, 2028, with staggered implementation dates for specific sections.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 174.02, 174.03, 174.75