MN HF204

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund in fiscal year 2018 to the Commissioner of Transportation to conduct a study on highway construction costs through an agreement with a qualified organization or entity.

Study must include an overview of highway construction cost issues and comparison of Minnesota costs relative to other states and regions.

Study must identify Minnesota-specific factors contributing to cost differences and evaluate the methodology used for highway construction cost calculation and indexing in Minnesota.

Study must review best practices, compare federal and Minnesota state highway construction cost index methodologies, and identify reasons for any past discrepancies between state and federal indexing.

Commissioner must submit a report on the study findings and specific recommendations for road authorities and legislative changes to reduce highway construction costs to legislative committee chairs and ranking minority members by February 15, 2018.