MN HF2428

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 174.03 to require the Commissioner of Transportation, in cooperation with the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development, to conduct a freight rail economic development study.

Study must assess the economic impact of freight railroads in the state and identify opportunities to expand business development and enhance economic competitiveness through improved use of freight rail options.

Commissioner shall provide an interim progress report by January 15, 2013, and a final report by September 1, 2013, to legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation, finance, and employment and economic development.

Final report must include any recommended legislative initiatives to be incorporated as an amendment or update to the comprehensive statewide freight and passenger rail plan.

Commissioner may expend money under section 222.50, subdivision 7, to pay the costs of conducting the study and preparing the reports.