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HF 5115

Marked U.S. Highway 8 reconstruction funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Max Rymer

HF 5115 would finance a major U.S. Highway 8 reconstruction near Chisago City, adding lanes, trails, and improved access through state and local bond funding.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · HF 5115

Summary of HF 5115 (2025-2026) – Marked U.S. Highway 8 Reconstruction Funding, Bonds, and Appropriation

Purpose and Intent

HF 5115 proposes funding and authorizations for the reconstruction of marked U.S. Highway 8 from Karmel Avenue in Chisago City to Interstate 35, including pedestrian and bike trails, frontage/backage roads, and potential realignment of local roads. The bill designates two separate funding streams (bond proceeds from the trunk highway fund) and provides for bond issuance to finance the project, with mechanisms to ensure nonstate funding support is committed before funds are drawn.

Key Provisions

Section 1 – Trunk Highway Bond Proceeds Funding

  • Amount: $24,000,000 appropriated from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.
  • Use: For predesign, design, engineering, and construction of the U.S. Highway 8 reconstruction and associated pedestrian/bike trails. This may include:
    • Expanding sections to four lanes
    • Constructing/reconstructing frontage and backage roads
    • Realigning local roads to consolidate or relocate access to/from U.S. Highway 8
  • Conditions: Funds are available only after the Commissioner of Management and Budget determines that sufficient nonstate resources are committed to complete the project. Funds remain available until project completion or abandonment.
  • Bonding: The Department of Management and Budget must issue up to $24,000,000 in state bonds under state statutes and constitutional authority. Proceeds (excluding accrued interest and any premium) go to the trunk highway fund’s bond proceeds account.
  • Policy Note: Planned expenditures for resurfacing per the DOT’s Metro District 10-Year Plan (2020-2029) would be redirected to support this reconstruction, supplementing the appropriation.
  • Effective Date: Day after final enactment.

Section 2 – General Obligation Bonds Funding to Chisago County

  • Amount: $15,000,000 appropriated from the bond proceeds fund.
  • Use: A grant to Chisago County for predesign, design, engineering, and construction of the same U.S. Highway 8 reconstruction project and related trails/ crossings.
  • Conditions: Requires nonstate funding commitments before release. Available until project completion or abandonment.
  • Bonding: The Department of Management and Budget shall issue up to $15,000,000 in general obligation bonds under applicable statutes and constitutional provisions.
  • Effective Date: Day after final enactment.

Section 3 – Shared Provisions

  • Application of Planned Spending: Similar to Section 1, DOT’s planned resurfacing expenditures in the 2020-2029 plan would be redirected to support the reconstruction project from any fund under this section.

Who Is Affected

  • State Agencies: Minnesota Department of Transportation (projects and funding administration) and Department of Management and Budget (bond issuance and oversight).
  • Local Government: Chisago County (receiving a $15 million grant for reconstruction work).
  • Public: Road users and pedestrians/bicyclists who would benefit from improved highway capacity, safety, and multi-use trails.

Timeline and Process

  • Funding Available: contingent on nonstate funding commitments.
  • Bond Issuance: up to $39 million total ($24M trunk highway bonds + $15M GO bonds) as determined and requested by the transportation agency, under respective statutory authority.
  • Effective Date: The act’s provisions take effect the day after final enactment.

Overall Impact

HF 5115 aims to accelerate and finance a major reconstruction of U.S. Highway 8 near Chisago City, improving vehicle capacity, safety, and nonmotorized access, while leveraging bond financing and existing state plans to support the project.

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

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