MN HF3190

Authorizes the commissioner of transportation to award grants for freight railroad preservation and improvement projects in Minnesota.

Eligible grant recipients include Class II and Class III railroads, rail carriers, rail users, and local units of government, regardless of facility ownership.

Commissioner must prioritize projects with applicants contributing more than 20 percent of total project costs from non-state and non-federal sources, and projects on rail segments with low service use.

Grant awards capped at 80 percent of total project cost, requiring at least 20 percent local or private match.

Appropriates $4,500,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2017 for these grants, with funds available for three years after appropriation.