Minnesota Senate Bill SF2180

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23

Caption

Feasibility study of a highway-to-boulevard conversion of marked Interstate Highway 94 appropriation

Impact

The proposed bill emphasizes an inclusive transportation analysis that not only considers the design alternatives but also the effects on community, health, and the environment. Key areas of exploration include potential impacts on transportation capacity, safety, land use, mobility for vulnerable populations, racial equity, and impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. The study also aims to assess the financial implications and the overall economic effects this conversion could have on the tax base and the availability of affordable housing.

Summary

SF2180 focuses on the appropriation of $600,000 for conducting a feasibility study on converting marked Interstate Highway 94 into an urban boulevard between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. The intent of this bill is to explore the potential benefits of such a conversion, which includes repurposing highway space for community-guided housing, business development, and parks. The funding aims to support project management, data collection, and community engagement as part of the study process.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the bill concerning the highway's conversion and its broader implications on local communities. Some stakeholders may voice concerns about the feasibility and cost of such a significant alteration of transportation infrastructure. Others may argue that the analysis must adequately address anti-displacement policies and measures to repair historic harms, ensuring that the community's diverse needs and voices are considered in the planning process.