MN HF721

Appropriates $5.146 billion in transportation funding for fiscal years 2014-2015 across multiple funds including trunk highway ($3.349 billion), county/municipal state aid roads ($1.197 billion), and other transportation programs.

Establishes transportation economic development assistance program allowing commissioners of transportation and employment/economic development to provide competitive grants up to 70% of project costs for transportation projects with measurable economic benefit, with geographic balance requirements.

Creates metropolitan area sales and use tax at 0.25% on taxable retail sales effective January 1, 2014, with revenues dedicated to Metropolitan Council transit operations, capital costs, and debt service on revenue bonds.

Authorizes Metropolitan Council to issue revenue bonds secured by sales tax revenues for transit capital improvements under chapter 475.

Clarifies that certain expenses (including Explore Minnesota Tourism kiosks, Minnesota Safety Council, and payments to MN.IT Services in excess of actual costs) are not trunk highway purposes; modifies grade crossing safety account to allow discretionary year-end cancellation to trunk highway fund; extends authorization under Laws 2009 chapter 9 through June 30, 2016.