Bill > HF1156

This bill modifies the passenger rail appropriation for Minnesota's transportation budget, primarily focusing on the Minneapolis-Duluth Northern Lights Express intercity passenger rail project. Specifically, the bill allocates $194,700,000 in fiscal year 2024 for capital improvements, including preliminary engineering, design, environmental analysis, land acquisition, equipment, and construction. The funding includes provisions for Coon Rapids station improvements to establish a joint Amtrak station and for acquiring equipment to participate in the Midwest fleet pool. The bill limits additional train stops to those outlined in the Federal Railroad Administration's 2018 determination to prevent speed reductions that could negatively impact ridership. Additionally, the bill includes a contingency provision that if federal funds for final design and construction are not granted by June 30, 2028, the remaining appropriation will be redirected to the corridors of commerce program. The bill also provides $1,833,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $3,238,000 in fiscal year 2025 as a match for expanded Amtrak train service between Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Chicago, with a base funding of $5,742,000 in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1156&ssn=0&y=2025