The proposed bill mandates an alternative design analysis for major federally funded highway projects in Minnesota, specifically those involving construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or resurfacing. It establishes a new section in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 161, titled "Community Preferred Alternative Analysis." Under this section, the commissioner is required to study an alternative design approved by a policy advisory committee before proceeding with any major highway project. Notably, maintenance resurfacing projects are exempt from these requirements.

To facilitate this process, the bill requires the formation of a policy advisory committee composed of local officials from the affected project areas, including a county commissioner, two legislative representatives, the mayor, and several city council members. The committee must have an odd number of members to ensure a majority vote. The commissioner is tasked with developing design alternatives in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and must obtain a two-thirds majority approval from the committee before selecting a preferred design or initiating the final layout approval process. The bill is set to take effect the day after its final enactment.