HF5016

Purpose

This bill would use state bond financing to fund a new bituminous multiuse trail along the west side of Trunk Highway 13 in Prior Lake. The trail is intended to provide a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists, including a safer connection to nearby schools.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Appropriation:

  • The state would appropriate 4,103,000 dollars from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
  • The money would go to the commissioner of transportation to design, engineer, and construct three segments of the trail along the west side of marked Trunk Highway 13 in Prior Lake.
  • Goals of the trail include providing a safe route to schools, improving accessibility, and increasing safety for walkers and bicyclists.

• Subdivision 2 – Bond Sale:

  • The commissioner of management and budget would sell and issue state bonds totaling up to 4,103,000 dollars to finance the appropriation.
  • Bond issuance would follow the terms and rules in Minnesota Statutes sections 167.50 to 167.52 and the Minnesota Constitution, article XIV, section 11.
  • Bond proceeds (excluding any accrued interest and any premium from selling the bonds) must be deposited into the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
  • The timing and amount of bond sales would be determined at the request of the commissioner of transportation.

Funding and Financing Details

• The project is funded entirely by state bonds, with the proceeds placed in the trunk highway fund’s bond proceeds account.
• The financing is explicit about following existing state laws and constitutional provisions governing bond issuance.

How This Changes the Law (Significant Changes)

• Creates an appropriation and authorization to issue bonds for a specific local transportation project (the trail along Trunk Highway 13 in Prior Lake).
• Ties the project to the bond financing framework already in Minnesota law (statutes on bond issuance and the state constitution).

Beneficiaries and Impact

• Students, pedestrians, and cyclists in Prior Lake will gain a safer, more accessible route along a portion of Trunk Highway 13.
• The project aims to improve safety for non-motorized users and provide a reliable link to schools.

Relevant Terms - Trunk Highway 13 - Prior Lake - bituminous multiuse trail - west side - design, engineer, construct - three segments - safe route to schools - accessibility - pedestrian and bicyclist safety - bond proceeds account - trunk highway fund - bonds - bond sale - Commissioner of Transportation - Commissioner of Management and Budget - Minnesota Statutes 167.50 to 167.52 - Minnesota Constitution Article XIV Section 11