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Bill

HF 3135

Douglas County; Interstate Highway 94 and County State-Aid Highway 17 interchange funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Franson

HF 3135 funds and finances the I-94 and CSAH 17 interchange in Douglas County by authorizing bonds and state money for design, right-of-way, and construction.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · HF 3135

Bill Summary — HF 3135 (2025-2026)

Jurisdiction: Minnesota Legislature — Douglas County; Interstate Highway 94 and County State-Aid Highway 17 interchange funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated

Purpose and intent

HF 3135 proposes funding and financing to support a specific interchange project between Interstate 94 (I-94) and County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 17 in Douglas County. The bill authorizes the issuance of bonds and appropriates money to finance the project, with the likely aim of improving traffic flow, safety, and regional connectivity around the I-94/CSAH 17 interchange.

Key provisions and changes

  • Funding authorization: The bill authorizes financial support for the I-94 and CSAH 17 interchange project. Details such as total project cost, sources of funds, and whether federal, state, or local contributions are included would be specified in the bill text.
  • Bond issuance: The bill provides authority to issue bonds to finance all or part of the project. This typically includes:
    • The maximum principal amount that may be borrowed
    • Terms of the bonds (maturity, interest rate limits, and repayment mechanism)
    • The entity authorized to issue the bonds (likely a state bonding authority or a dedicated Purposes Bonding account within the Minnesota State Lottery or the Capitol Investment environment, depending on the bill’s drafting)
  • Appropriations: The bill appropriates funds (state dollars) for the project. This may include:
    • A specific dollar amount allocated to the project
    • Timelines or phased disbursement milestones aligned with project progress
    • Possible contingencies or reserved funds for design, right-of-way, or construction contingencies
  • Project scope elements (as typical in such bills):
    • Design, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and construction phases
    • Any accompanying improvements (access ramps, interchanges, bridges, or overpass adjustments)
    • Compliance with environmental review requirements and project permitting
  • Bonds repayment plan: A mechanism for repaying the bonds, potentially through state or local revenues, tolling (if applicable), or dedicated funds from the highway system.

Who or what would be affected

  • Douglas County residents and travelers: Improved interchange could reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and enhance safety for motorists using I-94 and CSAH 17.
  • State and local transportation entities: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) involvement in project planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction oversight; possible coordination with Douglas County.
  • Taxpayers and bondholders: Those who bear the long-term debt service costs if bond financing is used; repayment would typically be funded through designated revenue streams or future appropriations.
  • Businesses and freight: Improved access may affect commercial activity and logistics along the I-94 corridor in the region.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Capital Investment Committee on April 7, 2025.
  • Legislative process: As a capital investment measure, it will undergo committee analysis, potential public hearings, and amendments before possible floor debate and votes in both chambers.
  • Fiscal note and impact: Likely to include a fiscal note detailing debt service impact, ongoing maintenance implications, and any forecasted changes to transportation revenue streams.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s title and the standard scope of transportation bonding and appropriation measures. For precise dollar amounts, exact bond terms, repayment sources, sequencing (phases), and any federal funding participation, the full text of HF 3135 would need to be consulted once available.

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

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