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SF 5155

Hennepin County railroad crossing prior appropriation modification

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Warren Limmer

Extends funding window to Dec 31, 2029 for Town Line Road railroad crossing safety improvements in Medina and Independence, clarifying eligible recipients (Hennepin County and/or c

Referred to Capital Investment
#appropriations #counties-specific #railroads #raillines #andlrt
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Bill Summary · SF 5155

Summary of SF 5155 (2025-2026) – Hennepin County railroad crossing prior appropriation modification

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to modify a prior appropriation previously enacted in Laws 2023, chapter 71, article 1, section 10, subdivision 9.
  • Specifically, it adjusts the handling and availability of funds for railroad crossing safety improvements at Town Line Road in the city of Medina and the city of Independence, Hennepin County.
  • The bill adds flexibility around the use and tenure of the funds, allowing the project to proceed under updated conditions while extending the availability window for spending.

Key provisions and changes

  • Revised appropriation amount and recipients:
    • The existing appropriation remains for one or more grants to Hennepin County, the city of Medina, the city of Independence, or a combination thereof, to design, engineer, and construct railroad crossing safety improvements at Town Line Road in Medina and Independence.
    • The designated amount specified in the prior appropriation is identified as $450,000 (Subd. 9: Hennepin County; Railroad Crossing 450,000).
  • Availability period extended:
    • The funds are made available “notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642,” and the availability period is extended to December 31, 2029 (instead of any previously shorter window). This provides additional time for planning, design, and construction activities.
  • Effective date:
    • The section becomes effective the day after the final enactment of the bill.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries:
    • Hennepin County
    • Cities of Medina and Independence
    • Potentially both municipalities jointly or in combination with the county, for the design, engineering, and construction of railroad crossing safety improvements at Town Line Road.
  • Constituents who rely on railroad safety improvements:
    • Residents, commuters, and businesses in Medina and Independence who interface with the Town Line Road crossing.
    • Railroad operators and local transportation agencies coordinating the project.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status:
    • Referred to the Senate Capital Investment committee.
    • Introduced and read on 04/16/2026.
  • Effective date:
    • In effect the day after final enactment of the bill.
  • Funding timeline:
    • Funds designated for the project are available through December 31, 2029, providing a multi-year window for planning, design, and construction, subject to the terms of the appropriation and applicable law (with the extension noted “notwithstanding” the usual 16A.642 rule on appropriations).

Notes

  • The bill’s main impact is to extend and clarify the funding window for a specific railroad crossing safety improvement project at Town Line Road and to confirm the eligible recipients (Hennepin County and the two municipalities, in any combination) for the grants.
  • It preserves the project’s safety objective while ensuring additional time to complete necessary work.

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

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