MN HF1844

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 222.50 to authorize the commissioner of transportation to award grants for freight railroad preservation and improvement.

Eligible recipients include Class II and Class III railroad companies, rail users, and local units of government, regardless of rail facility ownership.

Commissioner must prioritize projects identified in subdivision 7, projects on segments with low rail service use, and applicants contributing more than 20 percent of total project costs from non-state and non-federal sources.

Grants cannot exceed 80 percent of total project cost.

Appropriates $4,500,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2018 for the grant program, with funds available for three years after appropriation.