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Bill

HF 1173

Transportation economic development infrastructure program funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Myers

HF 1173 would fund a Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program with bonded debt to finance transportation projects that spur economic growth, job creation, and reg

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · HF 1173

Summary of HF 1173 (2025-2026) – Minnesota: Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program Funding Provided, Bonds Issued, and Money Appropriated

Purpose and intent

HF 1173 proposes funding and financing for a Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program. The bill aims to support transportation-related infrastructure projects by providing state funds, authorizing bond issuance, and detailing appropriations to advance economic development linked to transportation infrastructure.

Key provisions and changes

  • Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program funding: Establishes or updates funding for a program dedicated to transportation infrastructure projects that stimulate economic development. The exact program parameters (eligibility criteria, project types, matching requirements) would be defined in the bill text.
  • Bond issuing authority: Authorizes the issuance of state bonds to support the program. This includes the total bond authorization, repayment terms, interest guidelines, and any sequencing or caps on annual debt service.
  • Money appropriated: Specifies the amount of state general fund or other designated funds allocated to the program. This covers both initial appropriations and possible multi-year funding as part of the state’s capital investment framework.
  • Project eligibility and priorities: Likely outlines eligible projects (e.g., highway, bridge, rail, transit, port improvements, freight corridors) that have transportation-economic development impact, with criteria such as job creation, regional competitiveness, and connectivity.
  • Accountability and oversight: May include reporting requirements, performance metrics, and project selection processes to ensure transparency and effective use of funds and bond proceeds.
  • Match or leverage requirements: Could establish state match requirements or require leveraging private or federal funds to maximize impact.

Who/what is affected

  • Public agencies and authorities: State agencies responsible for transportation and economic development would administer or partner on funded projects (e.g., MnDOT, metropolitan planning organizations, state and local grant recipients).
  • Projects and regions targeted: Regions with transportation infrastructure needs that have potential for economic development and job creation would be eligible for funding, subject to project scoring and prioritization.
  • Taxpayers and bond holders: The issuance of bonds creates debt service obligations funded by state resources or dedicated revenue streams; oversight is essential for sustainability and credit considerations.
  • Stakeholders in transportation and economic development sectors: Businesses, workforce development entities, and local governments seeking infrastructure improvements to spur growth.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: On February 19, 2025, HF 1173 was introduced and referred to the Capital Investment committee, indicating an initial step in the tax/finance and bonding process typical for capital investment bills.
  • Chamber and sponsor details: House bill with Andrew Myers as a co-sponsor; the exact committee actions, amendments, and floor actions will follow in subsequent sessions if moved.
  • Potential legislative milestones: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential substitute amendments, floor votes, and, depending on negotiations, alignment with the Senate counterpart and final conference committee.

Considerations and potential impacts

  • The bill could enable targeted infrastructure investments tied to economic development goals, possibly accelerating critical transportation projects.
  • Bond issuance increases state debt obligations, so future annual debt service and revenue planning would be central considerations.
  • The program’s effectiveness would depend on clear eligibility criteria, robust project selection, measurable outcomes, and strong accountability mechanisms.

Note: This summary is based on the bill title and action history. The full bill text is required for precise statutory language, exact funding amounts, bond authorizations, repayment terms, and project criteria.

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

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