Bill > SF1545

This bill focuses on two main transportation-related actions: conducting a study on intercity bus service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Duluth, and canceling a previous appropriation for the Northern Lights Express passenger rail project. Specifically, the bill appropriates funding in fiscal year 2026 for a comprehensive study of intercity bus service in the Minneapolis-Duluth corridor, which must analyze existing transportation demand, evaluate service improvement alternatives, estimate ridership and costs, consider potential barriers, and provide recommendations for feasibility. The bill also cancels an uncommitted balance of approximately $194,413,803 that was previously allocated to the Northern Lights Express rail project, returning these funds to the general fund. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner of transportation to transfer a calculated amount from the general fund to the highway user tax distribution fund, which will essentially offset the new study's funding by transferring the majority of the canceled rail project funds back into transportation-related accounts. The study results must be submitted to legislative committee chairs by February 1, 2026, providing a detailed assessment of potential intercity bus service improvements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1545&ssn=0&y=2025