Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to address potential funding contingency for the replacement of the Robert Street viaduct in St. Paul, Minnesota. Specifically, it outlines the state’s financial plan should federal funding be rescinded.

Main Provisions

• Replacement of Viaduct: The bill focuses on the project aimed at replacing the viaduct over Robert Street, including associated infrastructure improvements from Page Street to Cesar Chavez Street. This includes updates to pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, trails, transit access, lighting, and community amenities.

• Federal Funding: The project was initially slated to receive a $25 million RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).

• Contingency Funding: If the RAISE grant is rescinded, the bill provides for alternative funding to ensure the project's completion:

  • Trunk Highway Fund: Allocates $21.2 million from the trunk highway fund for eligible parts of the project.
  • General Fund: Allocates $3.8 million from the general fund for parts of the project not eligible for trunk highway funds.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill establishes a new contingency plan for state funding in the event that federal funding is rescinded, ensuring that the viaduct replacement and associated projects can still be completed.

Relevant Terms

• RAISE grant
• USDOT (United States Department of Transportation)
• Trunk highway fund
• General fund
• Viaduct (George Street bridge)