Section 1 establishes an active transportation program.

Subdivision 1 defines terms as follows:

• Administering authority is Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB), or the Metropolitan Council (Council); and
• Bond-eligible cost is land acquisition, engineering, environmental analysis, construction, or reconstruction of public infrastructure that provides for nonmotorized transportation, and unpaid principal on debt issued by a local government for a nonmotorized transportation project.

Subdivision 2 directs an administering authority to establish a program to support nonmotorized transportation, including, but not limited to, bicycling and pedestrian activities.  The authority may provide grants or other financial assistance for a project.

Subdivision 3 creates an active transportation account in the bond proceeds fund.  Money in the account may be expended on bond-eligible costs of a project on public property.  Two separate active transportation accounts—one for the metropolitan area and one for greater Minnesota—are established in the special revenue fund.

Subdivision 4 specifies program requirements and provides that political subdivisions and tax-exempt organizations are eligible for assistance.  The authority may spend up to one percent of available funds on program administration.

Subdivision 5 expresses a legislative finding that many nonmotorized transportation infrastructure projects are betterments and capital improvements within the meaning of the state Constitution, making them eligible for general obligation bond financing.  The legislature further finds that these projects will be financed more efficiently and economically through general obligation bonding than by direct appropriations.

Subdivision 6 directs the authority to determine bond-eligible costs, which must include bicycle, trail, and pedestrian infrastructure; safe routes to school infrastructure; and noninfrastructure programming.

Subdivision 7 directs the authority to establish a project evaluation and selection process that is competitive and objective.  An eligible project must: be included in a municipal or regional nonmotorized transportation system plan; be located in a jurisdiction with a complete streets policy; support safe routes to school and to other specified community destinations; provide health and safety benefits; and offer geographically equitable benefits.

Subdivision 8 cancels a grant and requires repayment of any spent amount if the grantee has not implemented the project within five years.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Section 2 requires the Advisory Committee on Nonmotorized Transportation to recommend project evaluation and selection processes to the administering authorities.  The advisory committee may consult with named organizations.  The Advisory Committee’s next report must summarize the recommendations and be provided to the leadership of the legislative transportation committees. 

This section is effective the day following final enactment.