Purpose

This bill changes how money that was previously set aside for extending the Blue Line light rail uses is spent. It moves funds from the Blue Line extension project to help develop an arterial bus rapid transit (ABRT) line in the same corridor. In short, it shifts money from a future light-rail project to a bus rapid transit project in the same area.

Main Provisions

• Cancel and reallocate funds: The unencumbered balance of an earlier appropriation for the Blue Line light rail extension (originally from Laws 2023 chapter 68 article 1 section 3 subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2024 chapter 127 article 1 section 1 11) is canceled and returned to the general fund on June 29, 2027.
• One-time re-appropriation: Any amount canceled will be appropriated in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council to develop an arterial bus rapid transit line in the proposed Blue Line extension corridor.
• Time-limited availability: This is a one-time appropriation and remains available for use through June 30, 2029.

What the bill seeks to accomplish

• Reallocate investment from a future light rail project to a bus-based rapid transit option in the same corridor.
• Provide funding flexibility to pursue ABRT as an alternative or complement to the Blue Line extension, with a defined timeline for availability.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Shifts the funding path: Moves money that was set aside for the Blue Line light rail extension into a one-time grant for arterial bus rapid transit in the same area, rather than continuing to fund the light rail extension as originally planned.
• Creates a specific, time-bound appropriation: Establishes a new one-time appropriation to the Metropolitan Council, with a deadline for use (June 30, 2029).

Affected Parties and Entities

• Metropolitan Council (recipient of the reallocated funds)
• Blue Line light rail transit extension project (funding source being shifted away from)
• General Fund (source of the new appropriation)
• Laws referenced for the original appropriation (Laws 2023 chapter 68 and Laws 2024 chapter 127)

Timeline and Deadlines

• June 29, 2027: Cancellation of the unencumbered balance to the general fund.
• Fiscal year 2027: General Fund appropriation to the Metropolitan Council for ABRT in the Blue Line corridor.
• June 30, 2029: The onetime ABRT appropriation remains available until this date.

Rationale and Context (Plain-English)

• The state is reevaluating how to invest in transit in this corridor. By diverting money from a future light-rail project to bus rapid transit, the plan aims to deliver faster or more flexible transit options sooner, using a proven bus-based approach in the same area.

Potential Implications

• ABRT could be funded earlier or more reliably than the Blue Line extension, potentially speeding up improvements for riders in the corridor.
• The Blue Line extension project funding is impacted by this cancellation, delaying or changing its planned timeline.

Terminology and Definitions

• Blue Line light rail transit extension project
• arterial bus rapid transit (ABRT)
• unencumbered balance
• appropriation
• general fund
• Metropolian Council
• fiscal year 2027
• June 29, 2027
• June 30, 2029
• Laws 2023 chapter 68 article 1 section 3 subdivision 2
• Laws 2024 chapter 127 article 1 section 1 11

Relevant Terms Blue Line light rail transit extension project arterial bus rapid transit (ABRT) unencumbered balance appropriation general fund Metropolitan Council fiscal year 2027 June 29, 2027 June 30, 2029 Laws 2023 chapter 68 article 1 section 3 subdivision 2 Laws 2024 chapter 127 article 1 section 1 11