Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF288

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Passenger rail appropriation modifications

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws governing transportation and rail service modifications. By providing a substantial investment in passenger rail infrastructure, SF288 aims to strengthen Minnesota's transportation network while also reducing reliance on road traffic. Furthermore, the inclusion of provisions for entering matches with federal aid underscores the importance of leveraging available federal resources effectively. This strategic allocation of funds reflects the state’s commitment to developing a robust multimodal transportation system, ultimately promoting economic growth and sustainability.

Summary

SF288 is a bill aimed at modifying appropriations related to passenger rail service in Minnesota. A significant portion of the funding, amounting to $194.7 million for fiscal year 2024, is earmarked for capital improvements and enhancements for the Minneapolis-Duluth Northern Lights Express intercity passenger rail project. This funding will support various aspects such as preliminary engineering, design, environmental mitigation, and acquisition of rolling stock. The bill includes additional appropriations for Amtrak service improvements between Minneapolis and Chicago, which emphasize the enhancement of regional connectivity through increased rail service capacity.

Contention

Although there is significant support for improving rail services given their potential to enhance public transportation options, concerns may arise regarding the speed and efficiency of service as the projects unfold. The bill requires the commissioner of transportation to prevent additional stops along the routes if it adversely affects ridership speeds. This stipulation may lead to debates among stakeholders about balancing service expansion versus operational efficiency. Furthermore, discussions in the legislature likely highlight priorities between rail projects and other pressing infrastructure needs, leading to contention on budget allocations.

Companion Bills

MN HF1156

Similar To Passenger rail appropriation modified.

Similar Bills

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

MI SB0055

Appropriations: supplemental; supplemental appropriations; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

TX HB1

General Appropriations Bill.

MI SB0184

Appropriations: supplemental; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for fiscal year 2024-2025; provide for. Creates appropriation act.