Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance transportation in Minnesota by developing two new intercity passenger rail corridors. The project intends to improve connectivity from St. Paul to Fargo, North Dakota, and St. Paul to Kansas City, Missouri, including stops at key cities such as Northfield, Albert Lea, and Des Moines, Iowa.

Main Provisions

• Rail Corridor Service Analysis: The bill requires an analysis for expanding passenger rail services along two specific routes.
• Federal Application: The Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation must apply to the Federal Railroad Administration's Corridor Identification and Development Program. This is to secure federal support for planning and development activities.
• Funding Appropriation: The bill allocates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 from the state's general fund. This will support various activities necessary to advance the proposed rail projects.
• Project Activities: Funding will cover costs associated with planning, development, and staffing, along with providing grants to local governments for project cost estimates, alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering, environmental analysis, and economic impact studies.

Significant Changes

• The bill represents a shift towards expanding Minnesota’s rail transportation infrastructure by initiating significant planning and development activities for two new rail corridors.
• It involves the provision of state funds alongside seeking federal grants, emphasizing a collaborative financial approach.

Relevant Terms

• Passenger rail
• Intercity rail
• Corridor identification and development
• Federal Railroad Administration
• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
• Economic impact analysis
• Environmental analysis