Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to allocate funds specifically for transportation management organizations in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The primary goal is to support initiatives that aim to reduce vehicle miles traveled in these metropolitan areas, thereby potentially lessening traffic congestion and contributing to environmental benefits.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill sets aside specific amounts to be given as grants to the transportation management organizations in St. Paul and Downtown Minneapolis for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
  • St. Paul: $425,000 each year.
  • Downtown Minneapolis: $105,000 each year.
• Use of Funds: The funds are intended for programming and service expansion which may include:
  • Staffing
  • Communications
  • Outreach efforts
  • Educational programs
  • Operations management
• Grant Distribution: The commissioner of transportation is directed to ensure that these grants are fully distributed by July 1st of each respective year without withholding any portion of the funds.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces one-time appropriations from the general fund to support transportation initiatives specifically focused on reducing vehicle miles traveled in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These funds represent a new investment into locally tailored transportation management efforts.

Relevant Terms

• Transportation management organizations
• Minneapolis and St. Paul
• Vehicle miles traveled
• Grants
• Fiscal year appropriations
• Metropolitan area