The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish new requirements for the reimbursement of utility facility relocations necessitated by state transportation projects. Key changes include the stipulation that when relocation work is part of a state highway construction contract, the commissioner can pay the contractor directly for the relocation costs without requiring prior payment from the utility. Additionally, if relocation must be coordinated with another contractor's work, the commissioner is mandated to convene a coordination meeting and issue a consolidated relocation schedule. The bill also introduces a new section that outlines expedited permit review processes and establishes deadlines for utility owners to submit relocation plans.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions related to utility facilities and relocations, emphasizing that the commissioner must provide at least four years' notice before requiring a utility relocation. It also specifies that the reimbursement for relocations must be paid from the trunk highway fund, with the amount not exceeding federal reimbursement limits for the interstate highway system. The bill is titled the "Critical Infrastructure Permitting and Reimbursement Fairness Act," reflecting its focus on improving the efficiency and fairness of utility relocations in relation to state transportation projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 161.45, 161.46