MN SF2795

Establishes three or four state rail safety inspector positions in the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations to inspect railroad track, right-of-way, crossings, and security measures.

Authorizes state rail safety inspectors to participate in the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program and issue citations for violations related to railroad and public safety, with duties including track, signals, hazardous materials, and highway-rail grade crossing compliance.

Requires the commissioner of transportation to conduct a study by October 31, 2014, on highway-rail grade crossing improvements for oil and hazardous materials transport, including risk assessment criteria and safety improvement alternatives.

Appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund for development and implementation of safety improvements at highway grade crossings along rail corridors transporting oil and hazardous materials.

Finances the state rail safety inspector program through annual assessments on Class I railroads operating in Minnesota, divided by route miles operated in the state and deposited in a special state rail safety inspection account.