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SF 5191

City of Forest Lake U.S. Highway 61 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 32 intersection improvements appropriation and bond issuance authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karin Housley and 2 co-sponsors

Authorizes $5.5 million in bonds to fund design, right-of-way, and construction for safety-focused improvements at Forest Lake U.S. 61 and 11th Ave, possibly a roundabout.

Authors added Koran; Kreun
#appropriations #bonds #citiesandtowns-specific #highways #roads #andbridges #transportationandtransportationdepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 5191

Summary of SF 5191 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title

City of Forest Lake U.S. Highway 61 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 32 intersection improvements appropriation and bond issuance authorization

Purpose and intent

  • The bill authorizes state funding and debt to support improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 (marked) and Washington County State-Aid Highway 32 (11th Avenue) in Forest Lake.
  • The primary goals are safety, accessibility, and improved traffic operations at the intersection, including the potential construction of a roundabout and related improvements.

Key provisions

Section: Forest Lake; U.S. Highway 61 Intersection Improvements

  • Subd. 1. Appropriation:

    • The bill appropriates $5,500,000 from the Bond Proceeds Account in the trunk Highway Fund.
    • Eligible uses include:
    • Preliminary design
    • Final design
    • Engineering
    • Right-of-way acquisition
    • Construction
    • Scope includes improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 32 (11th Avenue) in Forest Lake.
    • The project may involve a roundabout and related improvements to address safety, accessibility, and other traffic operations issues.

  • Subd. 2. Bond sale:

    • The Commissioner of Management and Budget must issue up to $5,500,000 in state bonds from the Bond Proceeds Account (Trunk Highway Fund) to fund the appropriation.
    • Bond issuance follows standard Minnesota procedures and constitutional/statutory requirements (Minnesota Statutes §§ 167.50–167.52 and Article XIV, § 11 of the Minnesota Constitution).
    • The timing and amounts of bond sales are at the request of the Commissioner of Transportation. Bond proceeds (excluding accrued interest and any sale premiums) must be deposited into the Bond Proceeds Account in the Trunk Highway Fund.

  • Effective Date: The section becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Who/what is affected

  • Geographic/Project Scope: Intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 32 (11th Avenue) in Forest Lake.
  • Financial/State Finance: Minnesota’s trunk highway fund and bond proceeds account are used to fund the project.
  • Authorities Involved:
    • Minnesota Department of Transportation (MODOT) – for design, right-of-way, and construction oversight.
    • Minnesota Management and Budget – for issuing state bonds.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on 04/21/2026.
  • Appropriation and bond authorization: Requires passage by the Legislature and signature by the Governor to become law.
  • Bond mechanics: Follows standard state bond issuance processes; bond proceeds to be deposited into the trunk highway fund’s bond proceeds account.
  • Effective date: Subsequent to final enactment.

Potential impact

  • Provides dedicated funding (and debt authorization) to advance intersection safety improvements, potentially including a roundabout.
  • Aims to improve traffic efficiency, safety for vehicles and pedestrians, and overall accessibility at a key Forest Lake intersection.
  • Could influence local traffic patterns during construction and post-completion; long-term benefits anticipated in travel reliability and accident reduction.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to prior Forest Lake intersection projects or summarize potential fiscal implications (e.g., debt service considerations) once bond terms become available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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