Bill Text: MN HF3260 | 2013-2014 | 88th Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Omnibus transportation finance supplemental appropriations bill.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-03-27 - Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Ways and Means [HF3260 Detail]

Download: Minnesota-2013-HF3260-Engrossed.html

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A bill for an act

relating to transportation; making supplemental appropriations for transportation
purposes; adjusting appropriations; establishing certain safety oversight
authority; creating accounts; requiring reports; establishing provisions governing
transportation finance and policy, including provisions relating to railroad and
pipeline safety preparedness, special overdimension permit expiration, special
license plates, railroad yard lighting, transit shelters, trunk highway turnbacks,
and community destination signs;amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections
115E.01, by adding subdivisions; 115E.08, by adding subdivisions; 165.15,
subdivision 2; 168.123, subdivision 1; 169.826, by adding a subdivision;
169.8261, by adding a subdivision; 169.86, subdivision 5; 169.863, by adding
a subdivision; 169.865, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 169.866,
subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 174.24, by adding a subdivision;
219.015, subdivisions 1, 2; 473.408, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes
2013 Supplement, sections 168.123, subdivision 2; 174.42, subdivision 2; Laws
2010, chapter 189, sections 15, subdivision 12; 26, subdivision 4; Laws 2012,
chapter 287, article 2, sections 1; 3; Laws 2012, First Special Session chapter 1,
article 1, section 28; Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, sections 3, subdivisions
2, 3; 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 115E;
219; 299A; 473.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to the
appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, unless otherwise specified, to the
agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. Unless otherwise specified, the
appropriations are not added to the base appropriation for each purpose. The appropriations
are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years
indicated for each purpose. The figures "2014" and "2015" used in this article mean that the
appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, or
June 30, 2015, respectively. For purposes of this article, "the first year" is fiscal year 2014,
"the second year" is fiscal year 2015, and "the biennium" is fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

				APPROPRIATIONS
				Available for the Year
				Ending June 30
					2014		2015

Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation

$

10,000,000

$

37,732,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

Subd. 2.Multimodal Systems

(a) Election Day Transit Service

32,000

This appropriation is for allocation to public
transit systems under Minnesota Statutes,
section 174.24, in amounts that reflect the
respective foregone fare revenues from
transit service under Minnesota Statutes,
section 174.24, subdivision 8.

(b) Safe Routes to School

250,000

This appropriation is for non-infrastructure
activities in the safe routes to school program
under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.40,
subdivision 7a.

(c) Highway-Rail Grade Crossings; Oil and Other Hazardous Material

5,000,000

This appropriation is for development and
implementation of safety improvements at
highway grade crossings along rail corridors
in which oil or other hazardous materials are
transported. The commissioner shall identify
highway-rail grade crossing locations and
improvements in consultation with railroads
and relevant road authorities.

(d) Port Development Assistance Program

500,000

This appropriation is for grants under the
port development assistance program in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 457A.

Subd. 3.State Roads

(a) Winter-Related Trunk Highway Repair

10,000,000

This appropriation is from the trunk highway
fund for materials and supplies related to
road repair resulting from effects of the
2013-2014 winter season.

(b) Transportation Economic Development Program

4,000,000

This appropriation is for the transportation
economic development program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 174.12.

(c) Corridors of Commerce Program

15,000,000

This appropriation is for the corridors
of commerce program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 161.088, and may include
right-of-way acquisition for projects included
in the program. The commissioner may
identify projects based on the most recent
selection process or may perform a new
selection.

Subd. 4.Local Roads

(a) Winter-Related County State-Aid Road Repair

3,816,000

This appropriation is for materials and
supplies related to road repair resulting from
effects of the 2013-2014 winter season.
By September 1, 2014, the commissioner
shall apportion funds to counties in the
same manner as county state-aid highway
funds provided for calendar year 2014 under
Minnesota Statutes, section 162.07.

(b) Winter-Related Municipal State-Aid Road Repair

1,184,000

This appropriation is for materials and
supplies related to road repair resulting from
effects of the 2013-2014 winter season.
By September 1, 2014, the commissioner
shall apportion funds to cities in the same
manner as municipal state-aid street funds
provided for calendar year 2014 under
Minnesota Statutes, section 162.13.

Subd. 5.Willmar District Headquarters

4,370,000

This appropriation is from the trunk
highway fund to complete the Willmar
district headquarters and is added to the
appropriation in Laws 2012, chapter 287,
article 1, section 1, subdivision 2.

Subd. 6.Little Falls Truck Station

3,580,000

This appropriation is from the trunk highway
fund to complete the Little Falls truck station
and is added to the appropriation in Laws
2010, chapter 189, section 15, subdivision 15.

Sec. 3. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation

$

15,400,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

Subd. 2.Transit Development and Improvements

15,150,000

This appropriation is for:
(1) arterial bus rapid transit development,
which may include but is not limited to
design, engineering, construction, capital
costs, technology, equipment, and rolling
stock;
(2) bus rapid transit station development;
(3) transit shelter improvements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 473.41; and
(4) foregone fare revenues from transit
service under Minnesota Statutes, section
473.408, subdivision 11. The Metropolitan
Council shall allocate amounts under this
appropriation to transit providers receiving
financial assistance under Minnesota
Statutes, section 473.388, based on
respective foregone fare revenues.

Subd. 3.Suburban Transit Providers

250,000

This appropriation is for allocation to
replacement service providers operating
under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.388,
as provided in this subdivision.
Upon receipt of a prioritized listing of
expenditure items and amounts submitted
by the Suburban Transit Association, or by
all replacement service providers jointly,
the Metropolitan Council shall distribute all
funds appropriated under this subdivision to
each identified replacement service provider,
following the priority order in the listing. An
expenditure item in the listing must be for
nonoperating transit-related expenses.

Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation

$

2,060,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

Subd. 2.Transit Safety Oversight

60,000

$60,000 in the second year is for light rail
transit safety oversight under Minnesota
Statutes, section 299A.017, and is added to
the base appropriation for the administration
and related services program.

Subd. 3.Capitol Security

2,000,000

This appropriation is for an increase in
the number of State Patrol troopers or
other security officers assigned to the
Capitol complex, and is added to the base
appropriation for the capitol security budget
activity.

    Sec. 5. TRANSFER; RAILROAD AND PIPELINE SAFETY.
On or before July 31, 2014, the commissioner of management and budget shall
transfer $2,500,000 from the general fund to the railroad and pipeline safety account in the
special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.55. This is a onetime transfer.

    Sec. 6. Laws 2010, chapter 189, section 15, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.Rochester Maintenance Facility

26,430,000 24,937,000

This appropriation is from the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund.
To prepare a site for and design, construct,
furnish, and equip a new maintenance facility
in Rochester.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 7. Laws 2010, chapter 189, section 26, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
    Subd. 4. Trunk highway fund bond proceeds account. To provide the money
appropriated in this act from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund, the
commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an
amount up to $32,945,000 $31,452,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect
prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52, and by the Minnesota
Constitution, article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts requested by the
commissioner of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and
any premium received from the sale of the bonds, must be credited to the bond proceeds
account in the trunk highway fund.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 8. Laws 2012, chapter 287, article 2, section 1, is amended to read:
    Section 1. ROCHESTER MAINTENANCE FACILITY.
$16,100,000 $17,593,000 is appropriated to the commissioner of transportation
to design, construct, furnish, and equip the maintenance facility in Rochester and
corresponding remodeling of the existing district headquarters building. This appropriation
is from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 9. Laws 2012, chapter 287, article 2, section 3, is amended to read:
    Sec. 3. TRUNK HIGHWAY FUND BOND PROCEEDS ACCOUNT.
To provide the money appropriated in this article from the bond proceeds account in
the trunk highway fund, the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue
bonds of the state in an amount up to $16,120,000 $17,613,000 in the manner, upon the
terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52,
and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts
requested by the commissioner of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except
accrued interest and any premium received from the sale of the bonds, must be credited
to the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 10. Laws 2012, First Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 28, is amended
to read:
    Sec. 28. TRANSFERS, REDUCTIONS, CANCELLATIONS, AND BOND
SALE AUTHORIZATIONS REDUCED.
(a) The remaining balance of the appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special
Session chapter 1, article 1, section 7, for the economic development and housing
challenge program, estimated to be $450,000, is transferred to the general fund.
(b) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1,
section 5, for Minnesota investment fund grants pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section
12A.07 , is reduced by $1,358,000.
(c) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1,
section 12, subdivision 2, for disaster enrollment impact aid pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $30,000.
(d) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article
1, section 12, subdivision 3, for disaster relief facilities grants pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $392,000.
(e) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1,
section 12, subdivision 4, for disaster relief operating grants pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $2,000.
(f) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1,
section 12, subdivision 5, for pupil transportation aid pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 12A.06, is reduced by $5,000.
(g) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 2,
section 5, subdivision 3, for pupil transportation aid pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 12A.06, is reduced by $271,000.
(h) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1,
section 13, for public health activities pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.08,
is reduced by $103,000.
(i) $1,428,000 $534,000 of the appropriation in Laws 2007, First Special Session
chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, for reconstruction and repair of trunk
highways and trunk highway bridges is canceled. The bond sale authorization in Laws
2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 15, subdivision 2, is reduced
by $1,428,000 $534,000.
(j) $5,680,000 of the appropriation in Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2,
article 1, section 4, subdivision 4, as amended by Laws 2008, chapter 289, section 2, for
grants to local governments for capital costs related to rehabilitation and replacement of
local roads and bridges damaged or destroyed by flooding pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 174.50, is canceled. The bond sale authorization in Laws 2007, First Special
Session chapter 2, article 1, section 15, subdivision 3, is reduced by $5,680,000.
(k) $2,133,000 of the appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1,
article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, for local road and bridge rehabilitation and replacement
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.16, subdivision 3, is canceled. The bond
sale authorization in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 17,
subdivision 2, is reduced by $2,133,000.
(l) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1,
section 4, subdivision 2, for state road infrastructure operations and maintenance pursuant
to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.16, subdivision 1, is reduced by $819,000.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 11. Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.Multimodal Systems

(a) Aeronautics

(1) Airport Development and Assistance

13,648,000 14,648,000

13,648,000 16,648,000

This appropriation is from the state
airports fund and must be spent according
to Minnesota Statutes, section 360.305,
subdivision 4 .
The base appropriation for fiscal years 2016
and 2017 is $14,298,000 for each year.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.28, subdivision 6 , this appropriation is
available for five years after appropriation.
If the appropriation for either year is
insufficient, the appropriation for the other
year is available for it.
For the current biennium, the commissioner
of transportation may establish different
local contribution rates for airport projects
than those established in Minnesota Statutes,
section 360.305, subdivision 4.

(2) Aviation Support and Services

6,386,000

6,386,000

	Appropriations by Fund
	Airports	5,286,000	5,286,000
	Trunk Highway	1,100,000	1,100,000

$65,000 in each year is from the state airports
fund for the Civil Air Patrol.

(b) Transit

17,226,000

17,245,000

	Appropriations by Fund
	General	16,451,000	16,470,000
	Trunk Highway	775,000	775,000

$100,000 in each year is from the general
fund for the administrative expenses of the
Minnesota Council on Transportation Access
under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.285.
$78,000 in each year is from the general
fund for grants to greater Minnesota transit
providers as reimbursement for the costs of
providing fixed route public transit rides free
of charge under Minnesota Statutes, section
174.24, subdivision 7 , for veterans certified
as disabled.

(c) Passenger Rail

500,000

500,000

This appropriation is from the general
fund for passenger rail system planning,
alternatives analysis, environmental analysis,
design, and preliminary engineering under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 174.632 to
174.636 .

(d) Freight

5,653,000

5,153,000

	Appropriations by Fund
	General	756,000	256,000
	Trunk Highway	4,897,000	4,897,000

$500,000 in the first year is from the general
fund to pay for the department's share of costs
associated with the cleanup of contaminated
state rail bank property. This appropriation is
available until expended.

(e) Safe Routes to School

250,000

250,000

This appropriation is from the general fund
for non-infrastructure activities in the safe
routes to school program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 174.40, subdivision 7a.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 12. Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 3, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.State Roads

(a) Operations and Maintenance

262,395,000 287,395,000

262,395,000 280,395,000

$5,000,000 in each year is for accelerated
replacement of snow plowing equipment.
The base appropriation for operations and
maintenance for fiscal years 2016 and 2017
is $267,395,000 in each year.

(b) Program Planning and Delivery

206,795,000

206,720,000 209,720,000

	Appropriations by Fund
		2014	2015
	H.U.T.D.	75,000	0
	Trunk Highway	206,720,000	206,720,000 209,720,000

The base appropriation for program planning
and delivery for fiscal years 2016 and 2017
is $206,720,000 in each year.
$250,000 in each year is for the department's
administrative costs for creation and
operation of the Joint Program Office for
Economic Development and Alternative
Finance, including costs of hiring a
consultant and preparing required reports.
$130,000 in each year is available for
administrative costs of the targeted group
business program.
$266,000 in each year is available for grants
to metropolitan planning organizations
outside the seven-county metropolitan area.
$75,000 in each year is available for a
transportation research contingent account
to finance research projects that are
reimbursable from the federal government or
from other sources. If the appropriation for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation
for the other year is available for it.
$900,000 in each year is available for
grants for transportation studies outside
the metropolitan area to identify critical
concerns, problems, and issues. These
grants are available: (1) to regional
development commissions; (2) in regions
where no regional development commission
is functioning, to joint powers boards
established under agreement of two or
more political subdivisions in the region to
exercise the planning functions of a regional
development commission; and (3) in regions
where no regional development commission
or joint powers board is functioning, to the
department's district office for that region.
$75,000 in the first year is from the highway
user tax distribution fund to the commissioner
for a grant to the Humphrey School of Public
Affairs at the University of Minnesota for
WorkPlace Telework program congestion
relief efforts consisting of maintenance of
Web site tools and content. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available in the second
year.

(c) State Road Construction Activity

(1) Economic Recovery Funds - Federal Highway Aid

1,000,000

1,000,000

This appropriation is to complete projects
using funds made available to the
commissioner of transportation under
title XII of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law
111-5, and implemented under Minnesota
Statutes, section 161.36, subdivision 7. The
base appropriation is $1,000,000 in fiscal
year 2016 and $0 in fiscal year 2017.

(2) State Road Construction

909,400,000 923,400,000

815,600,000

It is estimated that these appropriations will
be funded as follows:

	Appropriations by Fund
	Federal Highway Aid	489,200,000	482,200,000
	Highway User Taxes	420,200,000 434,200,000	333,400,000

The commissioner of transportation shall
notify the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over transportation finance of
any significant events that should cause these
estimates to change.
This appropriation is for the actual
construction, reconstruction, and
improvement of trunk highways, including
design-build contracts and consultant usage
to support these activities. This includes the
cost of actual payment to landowners for
lands acquired for highway rights-of-way,
payment to lessees, interest subsidies, and
relocation expenses.
The base appropriation for state road
construction for fiscal years 2016 and 2017
is $645,000,000 in each year.
$10,000,000 in each year is for the
transportation economic development
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
174.12 .
The commissioner may expend up to one-half
of one percent of the federal appropriations
under this clause as grants to opportunity
industrialization centers and other nonprofit
job training centers for job training programs
related to highway construction.
The commissioner may transfer up to
$15,000,000 each year to the transportation
revolving loan fund.
The commissioner may receive money
covering other shares of the cost of
partnership projects. These receipts are
appropriated to the commissioner for these
projects.
Notwithstanding subdivision 6, the
commissioner may transfer up to $6,000,000
from the trunk highway fund under this
appropriation to the Stillwater lift bridge
endowment account under Minnesota
Statutes, section 165.15.
Of this appropriation, $14,000,000 in the first
year is for the specific improvements to "Old
Highway 14" described in the settlement
agreement and release executed January
7, 2014, between the state and Steele and
Waseca Counties.

(d) Highway Debt Service

158,417,000

189,821,000

$148,917,000 in the first year and
$180,321,000 in the second year are for
transfer to the state bond fund. If an
appropriation is insufficient to make all
transfers required in the year for which it is
made, the commissioner of management and
budget shall notify the senate Committee
on Finance and the house of representatives
Committee on Ways and Means of the
amount of the deficiency and shall then
transfer that amount under the statutory open
appropriation. Any excess appropriation
cancels to the trunk highway fund.

(e) Electronic Communications

5,171,000

5,171,000

	Appropriations by Fund
	General	3,000	3,000
	Trunk Highway	5,168,000	5,168,000

The general fund appropriation is to equip
and operate the Roosevelt signal tower for
Lake of the Woods weather broadcasting.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 13. Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 4. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

$

107,889,000

$

76,970,000 76,910,000

This appropriation is from the general fund
for transit system operations under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 473.371 to 473.449.
The base appropriation for fiscal years 2016
and 2017 is $76,686,000 $76,626,000 in
each year.
$37,000,000 in the first year is for the
Southwest Corridor light rail transit line
from the Hiawatha light rail transit line in
downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, to be
used for environmental studies, preliminary
engineering, acquisition of real property, or
interests in real property, and design. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until expended.

    Sec. 14. EFFECTIVE DATE; SUPERSEDING PROVISIONS.
Sections 1 to 5 of this article are not effective if House File No. 2395 is enacted
in the 2014 legislative session.

ARTICLE 2

RAILROAD AND PIPELINE SAFETY

    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.01, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
    Subd. 7a. Listed sensitive area. "Listed sensitive area" means an area or location
listed as an area of special economic or environmental importance in an Area Contingency
Plan or a Sub-Area Contingency Plan prepared under the federal Clean Water Act, United
States Code, title 33, section 1321(j)(4).
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 7b. Local incident commander. "Local incident commander" means the
most senior official at the site of a discharge who has the responsibility for controlling
operations at the site, beginning with the senior officer on the first piece of responding
emergency equipment to arrive at the discharge site. As more senior officers arrive at the
discharge site, the position of local incident commander is passed up the line of authority.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 11d. Unit train. "Unit train" means a train with more than 25 tanker railcars
carrying oil or hazardous substance cargo.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 4. [115E.042] PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE FOR CERTAIN
RAILROADS AND PIPELINES.
    Subdivision 1. Application. In addition to the requirements of section 115E.04,
a person who owns or operates railroad car rolling stock transporting a unit train must
comply with this section. A person who owns or operates pipeline facilities and is required
to show specific preparedness under section 115E.03, subdivision 2, must comply with
this section as applicable and with the provisions of chapters 299F and 299J.
    Subd. 2. Training. (a) Each railroad must offer training to each fire department
having jurisdiction along the route of unit trains. Initial training under this subdivision
must be offered to each fire department by June 30, 2016, and refresher training must be
offered to each fire department at least once every three years thereafter.
(b) The training must address the general hazards of oil and hazardous substances,
techniques to assess hazards to the environment and to the safety of responders and the
public, factors a local incident commander must consider in determining whether to
attempt to suppress a fire or to evacuate the public and emergency responders from an
area, and other strategies for initial response by local emergency responders. The training
must include suggested protocol or practices for local responders to safely accomplish
these tasks.
    Subd. 3. Coordination. Beginning June 30, 2015, each railroad and pipeline
company must communicate at least annually with each county or city emergency
manager and a senior fire department officer of each fire department having jurisdiction
along the route of a unit train or a pipeline to ensure coordination of emergency response
activities between the railroad or pipeline company and local responders.
    Subd. 4. Response capabilities; time limits; drills. (a) Following confirmation of a
discharge, a railroad or pipeline company must deliver and deploy sufficient equipment
and trained personnel to contain and recover discharged oil or hazardous substances and to
protect the environment and public safety.
(b) Within one hour of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad or pipeline company
must provide a qualified company employee to advise the local incident commander. The
employee may be made available by telephone, and must be authorized to deploy all
necessary response resources of the railroad or pipeline company.
(c) Within three hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad or pipeline
company must be capable of delivering monitoring equipment and a trained operator
to assist in protection of responder and public safety. A plan to ensure delivery of
monitoring equipment and an operator to a discharge site must be provided each year to
the commissioner of public safety.
(d) Within three hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad or pipeline company
must provide qualified personnel at a discharge site to assess the discharge and to advise
the local incident commander.
(e) A railroad or pipeline company must be capable of deploying containment boom
from land across sewer outfalls, creeks, ditches, and other places where oil or hazardous
substances may drain, in order to contain leaked material before it reaches those resources.
The arrangement to provide containment boom and staff may be made by:
(1) training and caching equipment with local jurisdictions;
(2) training and caching equipment with a fire mutual-aid group;
(3) means of an industry cooperative or mutual-aid group;
(4) deployment of a contractor;
(5) deployment of a response organization under state contract; or
(6) other dependable means acceptable to the Pollution Control Agency.
(f) Each arrangement under paragraph (e) must be confirmed each year. Each
arrangement must be tested by drill at least once every five years.
(g) Within eight hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad or pipeline company
must be capable of delivering and deploying oil spill containment booms, boats, oil
recovery equipment, trained staff, and all other materials needed to provide:
(1) on-site containment and recovery of a volume of oil equal to ten percent of the
calculated worst case discharge at any location along the route; and
(2) protection of listed sensitive areas and potable water intakes within one mile of
a discharge site and within eight hours of water travel time downstream in any river
or stream that the right-of-way intersects.
(h) Within 60 hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad or pipeline company
must be capable of delivering and deploying additional oil spill containment booms,
boats, oil recovery equipment, trained staff, and all other materials needed to provide
containment and recovery of a worst-case oil discharge and to protect listed sensitive areas
and potable water intakes at any location along the route.
(i) Each railroad and pipeline must conduct at least one oil containment, recovery,
and sensitive area protection drill every three years, at a location and time chosen by the
Pollution Control Agency.
    Subd. 5. Prevention and response plans; approval. (a) By June 30, 2015, a
railroad or pipeline company shall submit the prevention and response plan required under
section 115E.04, as necessary to comply with the requirements of this section, to the
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency on a form designated by the commissioner.
(b) By June 30 of every third year following a plan submission under this
subdivision, a railroad and pipeline company must update and resubmit the prevention and
response plan for approval by the commissioner.
EFFECTIVE DATE.Subdivisions 1 to 3 and 5 are effective the day following final
enactment. Subdivision 4 is effective July 1, 2015.

    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.08, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 3a. Railroad and pipeline preparedness; pollution control. The Pollution
Control Agency shall carry out environmental protection activities related to railroad
and pipeline discharge preparedness. Duties under this subdivision include, but are not
limited to:
(1) assisting local emergency managers and fire officials in understanding the
hazards of oil and hazardous substances, as well as general strategies for containment and
environmental protection;
(2) assisting railroads and pipeline companies to identify natural resources and
sensitive areas, and to devise strategies to contain and recover oil and hazardous
substances from land and waters along routes;
(3) facilitating cooperation between railroad and pipeline companies for mutual aid
arrangements that provide training, staff, and equipment as required by this chapter;
(4) participating in drills and training sessions;
(5) reviewing each railroad and pipeline company's prevention and response plans
for compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and assessing each company's
readiness to protect the environment;
(6) conducting inspections and drills as necessary to determine the railroad or
pipeline company's compliance with the requirements of this chapter and ability to protect
the environment; and
(7) conducting follow-up corrective action directives, orders, and enforcement as
necessary based on a finding of inadequate environmental protection preparedness.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.08, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 3b. Railroad and pipeline preparedness; public safety. The commissioner
of public safety shall carry out public safety protection activities related to railroad and
pipeline spill and discharge preparedness. Duties under this subdivision include, but
are not limited to:
(1) assisting local emergency managers and fire officials to understand the hazards
of oil and hazardous substances, as well as general strategies for hazard identification,
initial isolation, and other actions necessary to ensure public safety;
(2) assisting railroads and pipeline companies to develop suggested protocols and
practices for local first responder use in protecting the public's safety;
(3) facilitating cooperation between railroads, pipeline companies, county and city
emergency managers, and other public safety organizations;
(4) participating in major exercises and training sessions;
(5) assisting local units of government to incorporate railroad and pipeline hazard
and response information into local emergency operations plans;
(6) monitoring the public safety-related training and planning requirements of
section 115E.03; and
(7) referring noncompliance with section 115E.03 to the Pollution Control Agency.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 219.015, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Position Positions established; duties. (a) The commissioner of
transportation shall establish a position of three state rail safety inspector positions in
the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations of the Minnesota Department
of Transportation. On or after July 1, 2015, the commissioner may establish a fourth
state rail safety inspector position following consultation with railroad companies.
The commissioner shall apply to and enter into agreements with the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) of the United States Department of Transportation to participate
in the federal State Rail Safety Partnership Participation Program for training and
certification of an inspector under authority of United States Code, title 49, sections 20103,
20105, 20106, and 20113, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 212.
     The (b) A state rail safety inspector shall inspect mainline track, secondary track, and
yard and industry track; inspect railroad right-of-way, including adjacent or intersecting
drainage, culverts, bridges, overhead structures, and traffic and other public crossings;
inspect yards and physical plants; review and enforce safety requirements; review
maintenance and repair records; and review railroad security measures.
(c) A state rail safety inspector may perform, but is not limited to, the duties
described in the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program. An inspector may train,
be certified, and participate in any of the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program
disciplines, including track, signal and train control, motive power and equipment,
operating practices compliance, hazardous materials, and highway-rail grade crossings.
    (d) To the extent delegated by the Federal Railroad Administration and authorized
by the commissioner, the an inspector may issue citations for violations of this chapter, or
to ensure railroad employee and public safety and welfare.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 219.015, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Railroad company assessment; account; appropriation. (a) As provided
in this subdivision, the commissioner shall annually assess railroad companies that are
(1) defined as common carriers under section 218.011,; (2) classified by federal law or
regulation as Class I Railroads, or Class I Rail Carriers, Class II Railroads, or Class II Rail
Carriers; and (3) operating in this state,.
    (b) The assessment must be by a division of state rail safety inspector program costs
in equal proportion between carriers based on route miles operated in Minnesota, assessed
in equal amounts for 365 days of the calendar year. The commissioner shall assess all
start-up or re-establishment costs, and all related costs of initiating the state rail safety
inspector program beginning July 1, 2008. The, and ongoing state rail inspector duties
must begin and be assessed on January 1, 2009.
    (c) The assessments must be deposited in a special account in the special revenue
fund, to be known as the state rail safety inspection account. Money in the account is
appropriated to the commissioner and may be expended to cover the costs incurred for the
establishment and ongoing responsibilities of the state rail safety inspector program.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 9. [299A.55] RAILROAD AND PIPELINE SAFETY; OIL AND OTHER
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.
(b) "Applicable rail carrier" means a railroad company that is subject to an
assessment under section 219.015, subdivision 2.
(c) "Hazardous substance" has the meaning given in section 115B.02, subdivision 8.
(d) "Oil" has the meaning given in section 115E.01, subdivision 8.
(e) "Pipeline company" means any individual, partnership, association, or public
or private corporation required to show specific preparedness under section 115E.03,
subdivision 2.
    Subd. 2. Railroad and pipeline safety account. (a) A railroad and pipeline safety
account is created in the special revenue fund. The account consists of funds collected
under subdivision 4 and funds donated, allotted, transferred, or otherwise provided to the
account.
    (b) $208,000 is annually appropriated to the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency for environmental protection activities related to railroad and pipeline discharge
preparedness under chapter 115E.
(c) Following the appropriation in paragraph (b), the remaining money in the
account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of public safety for the purposes
specified in subdivision 3.
    Subd. 3. Allocation of railroad and pipeline safety funds. (a) Subject to funding
appropriated for this subdivision, the commissioner shall provide funds for training and
response preparedness related to (1) derailments, discharge incidents, or spills involving
trains carrying oil or other hazardous substances, and (2) pipeline discharge incidents or
spills involving oil or other hazardous substances.
(b) The commissioner shall allocate available funds to the Board of Firefighter
Training and Education under section 299N.02 and the Division of Homeland Security
and Emergency Management.
(c) Prior to making allocations under paragraph (b), the commissioner shall consult
with the Fire Service Advisory Committee under section 299F.012, subdivision 2.
(d) The commissioner and the entities identified in paragraph (b) shall prioritize
uses of funds based on:
(1) firefighter training needs;
(2) community risk from discharge incidents or spills;
(3) geographic balance; and
(4) recommendations of the Fire Service Advisory Committee.
(e) The following are permissible uses of funds provided under this subdivision:
(1) training costs, which may include but are not limited to training curriculum,
trainers, trainee overtime salary, other personnel overtime salary, and tuition;
(2) costs of gear and equipment related to hazardous materials readiness, response,
and management, which may include but is not limited to original purchase, maintenance,
and replacement;
(3) supplies related to the uses under clauses (1) and (2); and
(4) emergency preparedness planning and coordination.
(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), from funds in the railroad and pipeline safety
account provided for the purposes under this subdivision, the commissioner may retain a
balance in the account for budgeting in subsequent fiscal years.
    Subd. 4. Assessments; oil and hazardous substances. (a) The commissioner of
public safety shall annually assess $2,500,000 to railroad and pipeline companies based on
the formula specified in paragraph (b). The commissioner shall deposit funds collected
under this subdivision in the railroad and pipeline safety account under subdivision 2.
(b) The assessment for each railroad is 50 percent of the total annual assessment
amount, divided in equal proportion between applicable rail carriers based on route miles
operated in Minnesota. The assessment for each pipeline company is 50 percent of the
total annual assessment amount, divided in equal proportion between companies based on
the yearly aggregate gallons of oil and hazardous substance transported in Minnesota. The
assessment must be in equal amounts for each day of the fiscal year.
(c) The assessments under this subdivision expire July 1, 2019.

    Sec. 10. REPORTS ON INCIDENT PREPAREDNESS FOR OIL AND OTHER
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION.
    Subdivision 1. Report on response preparedness. By January 15, 2015, the
commissioner of public safety shall submit a report on emergency response preparedness
in the public and private sectors for incidents involving oil and other hazardous materials
transported by rail and pipeline to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation and public safety policy and
finance. At a minimum, the report must:
(1) summarize the preparedness and emergency response framework in the state;
(2) provide an assessment of costs and needs of fire departments and other
emergency first responders for training and equipment to respond to discharge or spill
incidents involving oil and other hazardous materials transported by rail and pipeline;
(3) develop a comprehensive public and private response capacity inventory that,
to the extent feasible, includes statewide identification of major emergency response
equipment, equipment staging locations, mutual aid agreements, and capacities across
industries involved in transportation and storage of oil and other hazardous materials;
(4) provide information and analysis that forms the basis for allocation of funds
under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.55;
(5) develop benchmarks or assessment criteria for the evaluation under subdivision 2;
(6) assist in long-range oil and other hazardous materials incident preparedness
planning; and
(7) make recommendations for any legislative changes.
    Subd. 2. Evaluation of response preparedness and funding. By November 1,
2017, the commissioner of public safety shall submit an evaluation of railroad and pipeline
safety preparedness and funding related to incidents involving oil and other hazardous
materials to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over transportation and public safety policy and finance. At a minimum,
the evaluation must:
(1) provide an update to the report under subdivision 1 that identifies notable
changes and provides updated information as appropriate;
(2) evaluate the effectiveness of training and response preparedness activities under
Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.55, using the criteria established under subdivision
1, clause (5);
(3) identify current sources of funds, funding levels, and any unfunded needs for
preparedness activities;
(4) analyze equity in the distribution of funding sources for preparedness activities,
which must include but is not limited to (i) examination of the public-private partnership
financing model, and (ii) review of balance across industries involved in storage and
distribution of oil and other hazardous materials; and
(5) make recommendations for any programmatic or legislative changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 11. IMPROVEMENTS STUDY ON GRADE CROSSINGS AND
RAIL SAFETY FOR OIL AND OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TRANSPORTATION.
(a) The commissioner of transportation shall conduct a study on highway-rail grade
crossing improvement for oil and other hazardous materials transported by rail, and on
rail safety. At a minimum, the study must:
(1) provide information that assists in risk management associated with
transportation of oil and other hazardous materials by rail;
(2) develop criteria to prioritize needs and improvements at highway-rail grade
crossings;
(3) consider alternatives for safety improvements, including but not limited to active
warning devices such as gates and signals, closings, and grade separation;
(4) provide findings and recommendations that serve to direct accelerated
investments in highway-rail grade crossing safety improvements; and
(5) analyze state inspection activities and staffing for track and hazardous materials
under Minnesota Statutes, section 219.015.
(b) The commissioner shall submit an interim update on the study by August 31,
2014, and a final report by October 31, 2014, to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 3

TRANSPORTATION FINANCE PROVISIONS

    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 165.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Use of funds. (a) Income derived from the investment of principal in the
account may be used by the commissioner of transportation for operations and routine
maintenance, including bridge safety inspections and reactive repairs, of the Stillwater
lift bridge. No money from this account may be used for any purposes except those
described in this section, and no money from this account may be transferred to any
other account in the state treasury without specific legislative authorization. Any money
transferred from the trunk highway fund may only be used for trunk highway purposes.
For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Income" is the amount of interest on debt securities and dividends on equity
securities. Any gains or losses from the sale of securities must be added to the principal
of the account.
(2) "Routine maintenance" means activities that are predictable and repetitive, but
not activities that would constitute major repairs or rehabilitation.
(b) Investment management fees incurred by the State Board of Investment are
eligible expenses for reimbursement from the account.
(c) The commissioner of transportation has authority to approve or deny expenditures
of funds in the account.

    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 168.123, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. General requirements; fees. (a) On payment of a fee of $10 for
each set of two plates, or for a single plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, payment of
the registration tax required by law, and compliance with other applicable laws relating to
vehicle registration and licensing, as applicable, the commissioner shall issue:
(1) special veteran's plates to an applicant who served in the active military service
in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or of a nation or society allied with the
United States in conducting a foreign war, was discharged under honorable conditions, and
is a registered owner of a passenger automobile as defined in section 168.002, subdivision
24, recreational motor vehicle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27, or one-ton
pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b, but which is not a commercial
motor vehicle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 16; or
(2) a veteran's special motorcycle plate as described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a),
(f), (h), (i), or (j), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant
who is a registered owner of a motorcycle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19,
and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph and in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h),
(i), or (j). Plates issued under this clause must be the same size as regular motorcycle
plates. Special motorcycle license plates issued under this clause are not subject to
section 168.1293.
(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable for each set of veteran's plates, is payable
only when the plates are issued, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued
instead of plates.
(c) The veteran must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers,
indicating character of discharge, at the time of application. If an applicant served in the
active military service in a branch of the armed forces of a nation or society allied with the
United States in conducting a foreign war and is unable to obtain a record of that service
and discharge status, the commissioner of veterans affairs may certify the applicant as
qualified for the veterans' plates provided under this section.
(d) For license plates issued for the woman veteran plate described in subdivision 2,
paragraph (n), the commissioner shall collect a surcharge of $5 on each $10 fee collected
for that plate under paragraph (a). The surcharge must be deposited in the women veterans
license plate account, established in the state treasury, and the money in that account is
appropriated each year to the commissioner of veterans affairs for a grant to the Minnesota
Women Veterans Initiative Working Group for use in promoting public recognition of
women serving in the military and of women veterans.

    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 168.123, subdivision 2, is
amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Design. (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the emblem
for the veterans' special plates, subject to the approval of the commissioner, that satisfy the
following requirements:
(a) (b) For a Vietnam veteran who served after July 1, 1961, and before July 1, 1978,
in the active military service in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or a
nation or society allied with the United States the special plates must bear the inscription
"VIETNAM VET."
(b) (c) For a veteran stationed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, or offshore, during the
attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the special plates must bear the inscription
"PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR."
(c) (d) For a veteran who served during World War II, the plates must bear the
inscription "WORLD WAR VET."
(d) (e) For a veteran who served during the Korean Conflict, the special plates
must bear the inscription "KOREAN VET."
(e) (f) For a combat wounded veteran who is a recipient of the Purple Heart medal,
the plates must bear the inscription "COMBAT WOUNDED VET" and have a facsimile
or an emblem of the official Purple Heart medal.
    A member of the United States armed forces who is serving actively in the military
and who is a recipient of the Purple Heart medal is also eligible for this license plate.
The commissioner of public safety shall ensure that information regarding the required
proof of eligibility for any applicant under this paragraph who has not yet been issued
military discharge papers is distributed to the public officials responsible for administering
this section.
(f) (g) For a Persian Gulf War veteran, the plates must bear the inscription "GULF
WAR VET." For the purposes of this section, "Persian Gulf War veteran" means a person
who served on active duty after August 1, 1990, in a branch of the armed forces of the
United States or a nation or society allied with the United States or the United Nations
during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, or other military operation in
the Persian Gulf area combat zone as designated in United States Presidential Executive
Order No. 12744, dated January 21, 1991.
(g) (h) For a veteran who served in the Laos War after July 1, 1961, and before July
1, 1978, the special plates must bear the inscription "LAOS WAR VET."
(h) (i) For a veteran who is the recipient of:
(1) the Iraq Campaign Medal, the special plates must be inscribed with a facsimile of
that medal and must bear the inscription "IRAQ WAR VET" directly below the special
plate number;
(2) the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the special plates must be inscribed with a
facsimile of that medal and must bear the inscription "AFGHAN WAR VET" directly
below the special plate number;
(3) the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the special plates must
be inscribed with a facsimile of that medal and must bear the inscription "GWOT
VETERAN" directly below the special plate number; or
(4) the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the special plates must bear an
appropriate inscription that includes a facsimile of that medal.
(i) (j) For a veteran who is the recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, the special plates must be inscribed with a facsimile of that medal and must bear
the inscription "GWOT VETERAN" directly below the special plate number. In addition,
any member of the National Guard or other military reserves who has been ordered to
federally funded state active service under United States Code, title 32, as defined in
section 190.05, subdivision 5b, and who is the recipient of the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, is eligible for the license plate described in this paragraph, irrespective of
whether that person qualifies as a veteran under section 197.447.
(j) (k) For a veteran who is the recipient of the Korean Defense Service Medal,
the special plates must be inscribed with a facsimile of that medal and must bear the
inscription "KOREAN DEFENSE SERVICE" directly below the special plate number.
(k) (l) For a veteran who is a recipient of the Bronze Star medal, the plates must
bear the inscription "BRONZE STAR VET" and have a facsimile or an emblem of the
official Bronze Star medal.
(l) (m) For a veteran who is a recipient of the Silver Star medal, the plates must bear
the inscription "SILVER STAR VET" and have a facsimile or an emblem of the official
Silver Star medal.
(n) For a woman veteran, the plates must bear the inscription "WOMAN
VETERAN" and have a facsimile or an emblem as designated by the commissioners of
veterans affairs and public safety.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2015.

    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.826, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 7. Expiration date. Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration
date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the
permitted vehicle's registration.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.8261, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 3. Expiration date. Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration
date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the
permitted vehicle's registration.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.86, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
    Subd. 5. Fees; proceeds deposited; appropriation. The commissioner, with
respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge a fee for each
permit issued. The fee for an annual permit that expires by law on the date of the
vehicle registration expiration must be based on the proportion of the year that remains
until the expiration date. Unless otherwise specified, all fees for permits issued by the
commissioner of transportation must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to
the trunk highway fund. Except for those annual permits for which the permit fees are
specified elsewhere in this chapter, the fees are:
    (a) $15 for each single trip permit.
    (b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on
a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the
same product, weight, and dimension.
    (c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive
months. Annual permits may be issued for:
    (1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety
or well-being of the public;
    (2) motor vehicles that travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized
under subdivision 1a;
    (3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section 169.826,
subdivision 1a ;
    (4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section 169.863;
    (5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width;
    (6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boat;
    (7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section
169.862 ; and
(8) special milk-hauling vehicles authorized under section 169.867.
    (d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12
consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:
    (1) mobile cranes;
    (2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;
    (3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings;
    (4) implements of husbandry;
    (5) double-deck buses;
    (6) commercial boat hauling and transporting waterfront structures, including, but
not limited to, portable boat docks and boat lifts;
    (7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers
for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however,
the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer
only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section 169.81, subdivision 3,
paragraph (c); and
(8) vehicles operating on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 described in
section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (e).
    (e) For vehicles that have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of sections
169.823 to 169.829, an additional cost added to the fees listed above. However, this
paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph
(b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth in that
paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance weight,
in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal to the
product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost factors
shown in the following chart:

		Overweight Axle Group Cost Factors
	Weight (pounds)		Cost Per Mile For Each Group Of:
	exceeding weight limitations on axles		Two consecutive axles spaced within 8 feet or less		Three consecutive axles spaced within 9 feet or less		Four consecutive axles spaced within 14 feet or less
	0-2,000		.12		.05		.04
	2,001-4,000		.14		.06		.05
	4,001-6,000		.18		.07		.06
	6,001-8,000		.21		.09		.07
	8,001-10,000		.26		.10		.08
	10,001-12,000		.30		.12		.09
	12,001-14,000		Not permitted		.14		.11
	14,001-16,000		Not permitted		.17		.12
	16,001-18,000		Not permitted		.19		.15
	18,001-20,000		Not permitted		Not permitted		.16
	20,001-22,000		Not permitted		Not permitted		.20

The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The
additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).
For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile
fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed
in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance
already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation
loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state.
    (f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight,
or oversize and overweight, mobile cranes; construction equipment, machinery, and
supplies; implements of husbandry; and commercial boat hauling. The fees for the permit
are as follows:

	Gross Weight (pounds) of Vehicle		Annual Permit Fee
	90,000	or less	$200
	90,001	- 100,000	$300
	100,001	- 110,000	$400
	110,001	- 120,000	$500
	120,001	- 130,000	$600
	130,001	- 140,000	$700
	140,001	- 145,000	$800
	145,001	- 155,000	$900

If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 155,000 pounds the permit fee is determined
under paragraph (e).
    (g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section 169.80 by
more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a)
when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section 169.87 are
in effect.
    (h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for
refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on
a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section 169.828,
subdivision 2 , 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000 pounds
on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000 pounds.
    (i) $300 for a motor vehicle described in section 169.8261. The fee under this
paragraph must be deposited as follows:
    (1) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund for
costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges; and
    (2) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in the bridge
inspection and signing account as provided under subdivision 5b.
    (j) Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating
under authority of section 169.824, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2).
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.863, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 3. Expiration date. Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration
date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the
permitted vehicle's registration.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.865, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Six-axle vehicles. (a) A road authority may issue an annual permit
authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of six or more axles to haul raw
or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to:
    (1) 90,000 pounds; and
    (2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826,
subdivision 1 .
    (b) Notwithstanding subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (4), a vehicle or
combination of vehicles operated under this subdivision and transporting only sealed
intermodal containers may be operated on an interstate highway if allowed by the United
States Department of Transportation.
    (c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $300, or a proportional
amount as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.865, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Seven-axle vehicles. (a) A road authority may issue an annual permit
authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of seven or more axles to
haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight
of up to:
    (1) 97,000 pounds; and
    (2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826,
subdivision 1 .
    (b) Drivers of vehicles operating under this subdivision must comply with driver
qualification requirements adopted under section 221.0314, subdivisions 2 to 5, and Code
of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 40 and 382.
    (c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $500, or a proportional
amount as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.865, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 5. Expiration date. Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration
date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the
permitted vehicle's registration.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.866, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Permit fee; appropriation. Vehicle permits issued under subdivision 1
must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle, or a proportional amount as
provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5, and must be deposited in the trunk highway
fund. An amount sufficient to administer the permit program is appropriated from the
trunk highway fund to the commissioner for the costs of administering the permit program.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.866, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 4. Expiration date. Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration
date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the
permitted vehicle's registration.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies
to permits issued on and after that date.

    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 174.24, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 8. Transit service on election day. An eligible recipient of operating
assistance under this section who contracts or has contracted to provide fixed route public
transit shall provide fixed route public transit service free of charge on a day a state
general election is held.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2014, and expires November
5, 2014.

    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 174.42, subdivision 2, is
amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Funding requirement. In each federal fiscal year, the commissioner
shall obtain a total amount in federal authorizations for reimbursement on transportation
alternatives projects that is equal to or greater than the annual average of federal
authorizations on transportation alternatives projects calculated over the preceding four
federal fiscal years 2009 to 2012.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment and
applies to authorizations for federal fiscal year 2015 and subsequent federal fiscal years.

    Sec. 15. [219.375] RAILROAD YARD LIGHTING.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements. (a) All railroad common carriers, and their
officers, agents, and employees, operating a railroad in this state are required to maintain
lighting between sunset and sunrise above switches in railroad yards where:
(1) cars or locomotives are switched or inspected; or
(2) cars are switched to assemble or disassemble trains.
(b) Railroad common carriers shall provide lighting adjacent to those portions of
railroad yard tracks where railroad common carrier employees frequently work on the
ground performing switching, inspection, and repair activities. For purposes of this
section, "frequently work" means at least five days per week.
(c) Railroad yard lighting over switches and inspection areas must:
(1) conform with the guidelines set forth by the American Railway Engineering
and Manufacturing Association (AREMA);
(2) include at least one lighting source for each two-yard track switch segment; and
(3) be displayed from a height of at least 30 feet above the railroad yard lead-track
area.
(d) Lighting over switches and other light sources within railroad yards or at other
railroad locations must be:
(1) maintained to illuminate as designed;
(2) compliant with the National Electrical Code;
(3) kept clear of obstructions; and
(4) focused on the railroad common carrier property designed to be illuminated.
(e) The energy source for lighting is permitted, though not required, to:
(1) be direct wired from a carrier facility power source, have solar panel power with
a battery storage source, or have another constant energy source; or
(2) be designed to have standard or light-emitting diode fixtures or electrical circuits
that include power saving or ambient atmosphere actuating switches.
(f) Railroad common carriers must replace damaged or nonoperative lighting within
48 hours after light source damage has been reported to the carrier.
    Subd. 2. Allowances for unusual conditions. Railroad common carriers are not
required to comply with the requirements of this section during:
(1) maintenance activities;
(2) derailments;
(3) any period of heavy rain or snow, washouts, or similar weather or seismic
conditions; or
(4) a reasonable period after any occurrence identified in clauses (1) to (3), but no
longer than is necessary to achieve compliance with this section.
    Subd. 3. Lighting orders; commissioner authority. (a) When the commissioner
finds that railroad common carrier employees who frequently work adjacent to a portion
of track performing switching, inspection, maintenance, repair, or fueling activities are
exposed to hazard resulting from the lack of lighting, or to the condition of lighting
constructed before July 1, 2014, the commissioner may order a railroad common carrier
to construct lighting adjacent to a portion of track where employees are performing
switching, inspection, maintenance, repair, or fueling activities, or require a railroad
common carrier to modify existing lighting to conform with the standards set forth by
AREMA lighting standards, within a reasonable period of time.
(b) A railroad common carrier, person, or corporation may appeal an order under this
subdivision. An appeal under this paragraph is subject to the processes and requirements
of chapter 14.
    Subd. 4. Failure to correct. If a railroad common carrier, person, or corporation
fails to correct a violation of this section within the time provided in an order issued by
the commissioner of transportation under subdivision 3, and the railroad common carrier,
person, or corporation does not appeal the order, the failure to correct the violation as
ordered by the commissioner constitutes a new and separate offense distinct from the
original violation of this section.
    Subd. 5. Complaints. No formal complaint of an alleged violation of this section
may be filed until the filing party has attempted to address the alleged violations with the
railroad common carrier. Any complaint of an alleged violation must contain a written
statement that the filing party has made a reasonable, good faith attempt to address the
alleged violation.
    Subd. 6. Waiver. Upon written request of a railroad common carrier, the
commissioner of transportation may waive any portion of this section if conditions do
not reasonably permit compliance. The commissioner's decision is subject to section
218.041, and must include an on-site inspection of the area for which the waiver has
been requested. The inspection shall occur between sunset and sunrise, and all parties of
interest shall be permitted to attend.
    Subd. 7. Violations and penalties. A railroad common carrier, corporation, or
person who violates this section is subject to a penalty not to exceed $500 for each violation.
    Subd. 8. Exceptions; applicability. (a) This section establishes minimum standards
for railroad yard lighting. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude design of
railroad yard towers with multiple lighting sources, a brighter lighting design, or other
features that exceed the requirements of this section.
(b) This section applies to all Class I and Class II railroad common carrier railroad
yards. This section does not apply to an entity that owns or operates track in Minnesota
that is not a Class I or Class II railroad common carrier as classified by the Federal
Railroad Administration.
(c) Railroad yards and other locations where lighting exists on July 1, 2014, are
deemed compliant with subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) and (c).
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 1, 2016.

    Sec. 16. [219.995] MADE IN MINNESOTA SOLAR INSTALLATIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.
(b) "Made in Minnesota" has the meaning given in section 216C.411, paragraph (a).
(c) "Solar photovoltaic module" has the meaning given in section 116C.7791,
subdivision 1, paragraph (e).
    Subd. 2. Made in Minnesota solar energy system requirement. Notwithstanding
any other law to the contrary, if a railroad common carrier engages in any project in
Minnesota for the construction, improvement, maintenance, or repair of any building,
railroad, railroad yard, railroad facility, or land owned or controlled by the railroad
common carrier and the construction, improvement, maintenance, or repair involves
installation of one or more solar photovoltaic modules, the railroad common carrier
must ensure that the solar photovoltaic modules purchased and installed are "Made in
Minnesota" as defined in subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
    Subd. 3. Application. Subdivision 2 does not apply if:
(1) as a condition of the receipt of federal financial assistance for a specific project,
the railroad common carrier is required to use a procurement method that might result in
the award of a contract to a manufacturer that does not meet the "Made in Minnesota"
definition in subdivision 1, paragraph (b);
(2) no solar photovoltaic modules are available that meet the "Made in Minnesota"
definition and fulfill the function required by the project; or
(3) a railroad common carrier's compliance with the "Made in Minnesota" solar
energy system requirement would result in noncompliance with any applicable federal
statute or regulation.

    Sec. 17. [299A.017] STATE SAFETY OVERSIGHT.
    Subdivision 1. Office created. The commissioner of public safety shall establish an
Office of State Safety Oversight in the Department of Public Safety for safety oversight of
rail fixed guideway public transportation systems within the state. The commissioner shall
designate a director of the office.
    Subd. 2. Authority. The director shall implement and has regulatory authority to
enforce the requirements for the state set forth in United States Code, title 49, sections
5329 and 5330, federal regulations adopted pursuant to those sections, and successor or
supplemental requirements.

    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 473.408, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 11. Transit service on election day. (a) The council shall provide regular
route transit, as defined in section 473.385, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), free of charge
on a day a state general election is held.
(b) The requirements under this subdivision apply to operators of regular route
transit (1) receiving financial assistance under section 473.388, or (2) operating under
section 473.405, subdivision 12.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2014, and expires November
5, 2014.

    Sec. 19. [473.41] TRANSIT SHELTERS AND STOPS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.
(b) "Transit authority" means:
(1) a statutory or home rule charter city, with respect to rights-of-way at bus stop and
train stop locations, transit shelters, and transit passenger seating facilities owned by the
city or established pursuant to a vendor contract with the city;
(2) the Metropolitan Council, with respect to transit shelters and transit passenger
seating facilities owned by the council or established pursuant to a vendor contract with
the council; or
(3) a replacement service provider under section 473.388, with respect to
rights-of-way at bus stop and train stop locations, transit shelters, and transit passenger
seating facilities owned by the provider or established pursuant to a vendor contract
with the provider.
(c) "Transit shelter" means a wholly or partially enclosed structure provided for
public use as a waiting area in conjunction with light rail transit, bus rapid transit, or
regular route transit.
    Subd. 2. Design. (a) A transit authority shall establish design specifications for
establishment and replacement of its transit shelters, which must include:
(1) engineering standards, as appropriate;
(2) maximization of protection from the wind, snow, and other elements, including
but not limited to entrances that are equivalently sized to regular doorways;
(3) to the extent feasible, inclusion of warming capability at each shelter in which
there is a proportionally high number of transit service passenger boardings; and
(4) full accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
(b) The council shall consult with the Transportation Accessibility Advisory
Committee.
    Subd. 3. Maintenance. A transit authority shall ensure transit shelters are
maintained in good working order and are accessible to all users of the transit system.
This requirement includes but is not limited to:
(1) keeping transit shelters reasonably clean and free from graffiti; and
(2) removing snow and ice in a manner that provides accessibility for the elderly
and persons with disabilities to be able to enter and exit transit shelters, and board and
exit trains at each stop.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 20. WATERCRAFT DECONTAMINATION SITES; REST AREAS.
Where feasible with existing resources, the commissioners of natural resources
and transportation shall cooperate in an effort to use rest areas as sites for watercraft
decontamination and other activities to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 21. WOMAN VETERAN LICENSE PLATES; DESIGN.
The commissioner of veterans affairs, in consultation with the commissioner of
public safety, a representative of the Minnesota Women Veterans Initiative Working
Group, and any interested Minnesota veterans service organization, shall design the
"WOMAN VETERAN" special plates established in Minnesota Statutes, section 168.123,
subdivision 2, subject to the approval of the commissioner of public safety.

    Sec. 22. HIGHWAY 14 TURNBACK.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 161.081, subdivision 3, and 161.16, or
any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of transportation may:
(1) by temporary order, take over the road described as "Old Highway 14" in the
settlement agreement and release executed January 7, 2014, between the state and Waseca
and Steele Counties;
(2) expend $35,000,000 or the amount necessary to complete the work required
under the settlement agreement; and
(3) upon completion of the work described in the settlement agreement, release "Old
Highway 14" back to Steele and Waseca Counties.
Upon completion of the work described in the settlement agreement between the
state and Waseca and Steele Counties, the counties shall accept responsibility for the road
described in the agreement as "Old Highway 14."

    Sec. 23. COMMUNITY DESTINATION SIGN PILOT PROGRAM.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.
(b) "City" means the city of Two Harbors.
(c) "General retail services" means a business that sells goods or services at retail
and directly to an end-use consumer. General retail services includes but is not limited to:
(1) personal services;
(2) repair services;
(3) hardware stores;
(4) lumber or building supply stores; and
(5) automotive parts sellers.
    Subd. 2. Pilot program established. (a) In consultation with the city of Two
Harbors, the commissioner of transportation shall establish a community destination sign
pilot program for wayfinding within the city to destinations or attractions of interest to
the traveling public.
(b) For purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 173, signs under the pilot program
are official signs.
    Subd. 3. Signage, design. (a) The pilot program must include as eligible attractions
and destinations:
(1) minor traffic generators; and
(2) general retail services, specified by business name, that are identified in a
community wayfinding program established by the city.
(b) The commissioner of transportation, in coordination with the city, may establish
sign design specifications for signs under the pilot program. Design specifications must
allow for placement of:
(1) a city name and city logo or symbol; and
(2) up to five attractions or destinations on a community destination sign assembly.
    Subd. 4. Program costs. The city shall pay costs of design, construction,
erection, and maintenance of the signs and sign assemblies under the pilot program. The
commissioner shall not impose fees for the pilot program.
    Subd. 5. Expiration. The pilot program under this section expires January 1, 2022.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.