MN HF259

Appropriates $10,000,000 from bond proceeds to the Metropolitan Council for a grant to the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority for environmental analysis of a high-speed rail line connecting Chicago, La Crescent, Winona, Red Wing, and the Union Depot Concourse Multimodal Transit Hub in downtown St. Paul.

Prohibits use of appropriated funds for capital improvements located outside Minnesota, improvements used outside Minnesota, or improvements on rail corridors not designated by the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact.

Directs the commissioner to coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for federal capital assistance and develop a comprehensive rail plan as part of the state transportation plan for legislative review.

Authorizes the commissioner of finance to sell and issue state bonds up to $10,000,000 to provide the appropriated funds, governed by Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and Minnesota Constitution article XI, sections 4 to 7.

Sections 1 and 2 become effective the day following final enactment.