Transcript Highlights:

• It would<00:25:15.840> go<00:25:16.000> through<00:25:16.159> the<00:25:16.320><
• grants management<00:25:17.760> and<00:25:17.919> they'd<00:25:18.159> be<00:25
• <00:25:28.640> Thank<00:25:28.799> you<00:25:29.279> uh<00:25:29.520> to<
• <00:25:31.200> Um<00:25:31.600> you<00:25:31.760> know<00:25:31.840> I
• uh question<00:25:38.000> uh<00:25:38.159> a<00:25:38.320> lot<00:25:38.480>

Bills: HF3426, HF3428

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.039> other<00:25:12.360> Highway for other Highway for other Highway projects<00:25
• :49.679> as<00:25:50.480> projects<00:25:50.960> that<00:25:51.120> should
• ><00:25:51.399> have expressed as projects that should have expressed as projects that should
• Minnesota do that means project Minnesota do that means project generated<01:25:00.199> wealth
• > project<01:25:22.760> thank<01:25:22.920> you do not stall this project thank

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:25:00.559> apologize<00:25:01.039> if<00:25:01.200> I'm<00:25:01.440>
• So let<00:25:06.320> me<00:25:06.400> put<00:25:06.559> it<00:25:06.640> like
• <00:25:07.200> Play<00:25:07.520> out<00:25:07.679> the<00:25:08.240> a
• wasn't turnpike revenue to do those wasn't turnpike revenue to do those projects<00:25:52.720>
• redless<00:25:54.960> bridge projects and we have uh redless bridge projects and we have uh

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > about 25 uh hangar projects that uh have about 25 uh hangar projects that uh have been<00:03:09.680
• <00:15:13.519> projects, Uh finally, for the fiscal 25 projects, Uh finally, for the fiscal
• This project<00:25:00.400> was<00:25:00.559> just<00:25:00.720> awarded,<00:25:01.039
• > so<00:25:01.200> we're<00:25:01.360> still project was just awarded, so we're
• still project was just awarded, so we're still working<00:25:01.679> on<00:25:01.840> the

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Approval of Minutes 01:07 Airport Projects 12:17 Riverport Projects 38:27 Electric Vehicle Charging Program 54:10 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:25:36.280> aviation<00:25:36.720> cluster<00:25:37.280> centered<00:25:37.760
• project since. project since.
• . project. project.
• <01:25:03.360> Uh<01:25:03.520> good<01:25:03.720> morning<01:25:04.280>
• <01:25:08.600> My<01:25:08.720> name<01:25:08.960> is<01:25:09.080> Andy<

Bills: HF4156, HF3835, HF3995, HF4383, HF4091, HF4084, HF4311, HF198, HF4486, HF4302, HF4309, HF4032, HF3855, HF3673, HF4265, HF4012, HF4339, HF4298, HF3852

Keywords: infrastructure, wastewater, stormwater, Buhl, state bonds, appropriations, economic development, water infrastructure, grants, capital investment, funding, state regulation, Frazee, North River Drive, infrastructure improvements, HF4383, Minnesota capital investment, bonding bill, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Transcript Highlights:

• back um aspects of the this um scales back um aspects of the project<00:25:49.679> so<00:25:49.919
• > longer project so that it would no longer project so that it would no longer include<00:25:51.360
• > project<01:24:59.679> designation<01:25:00.159> in<01:25:00.320> the an
• individual project designation in the an individual project designation in the governor's<01:25:00.880
• project um again not to be too ownorous but<01:25:22.480> really<01:25:22.719> to<01:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:25:20.720> again,<00:25:20.960> I<00:25:21.120> used<00:25:21.279> to<
• <00:25:35.520> And<00:25:35.760> I<00:25:35.919> guess<00:25:36.080> I
• ><00:25:38.880> get<00:25:39.039> some<00:25:39.200> input<00:25:39.600> from
• > to<00:25:47.679> do<00:25:47.840> with,<00:25:48.000> but<00:25:48.240>
• :48.559> is<00:25:49.679> uh<00:25:50.000> those<00:25:50.320> were<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . projects. projects.
• plants that<00:25:17.120> needed<00:25:17.679> them<00:25:18.000> for<00:25:18.480
• infrastructure unplanned critical infrastructure projects<00:25:46.880> are<00:25:47.200>
• Um that structure<00:25:55.600> is<00:25:55.760> being<00:25:56.000> it's<00:25:
• And<00:25:59.279> again,<00:25:59.600> there's<00:25:59.760> a<00:25:59.919>

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of that is to try to work out any kinks that may happen that are slowing down these projects
• in relation to active or future public-private partnership projects.
• in relation to active or future public-private partnership projects.
• in relation to active or future public-private partnership projects.
• We took out some mega-project language that was not necessary, so I ask to concur.

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of that is to try to work out any kinks that may happen that are slowing down these projects
• The purpose of that is to try to work out any kinks that may happen that are slowing down these projects
• in relation to active or future public-private partnership projects.
• in relation to active or future public-private partnership projects.
• We took out some mega-project language that was not necessary, so I ask to concur.

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Summary: The Senate convened with 26 members present, heard a prayer from Dr. Steve Horn, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled messages from the House, including concurrence in SCR 83 and appointment of conference committee members on several disagreements. A number of Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, mostly creating study task forces or commending individuals and organizations, including resolutions on energy infrastructure, breast pump access, insurance coverage for auto repairs, biomarker testing, higher education funding, public-private partnership contracting, and various commendations. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, while others were returned to the calendar or concurred in by recorded vote, including SCR 29 and SCR 33 with House amendments. The Senate also considered House and Senate bills and resolutions returned from the House, with many measures adopted or concurred in. Notable actions included concurrence in HCR 117 on homeowner insurance claims processes, adoption of HCR 5 on special red drum harvest permits, and passage of bills on TOPS Tech eligibility (HB 325), vapor product permitting (HB 623), ABLE/Tuition Trust administration (HB 749), design services contracting (HB 755), rare cancer advisory board composition (HB 761), non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement (HB 1028), public meeting notices (HB 1049), healthy food retail financing (HB 1194), genetic testing coverage for SCN2A disorders (HB 1199), grocery initiative grants (HB 1222, which failed), and a constitutional amendment on retirement debt repayment order (HB 27). The chamber also adopted HCR 95, creating a joint rule requiring a fiscal review of certain tax measures for sales and use tax uniformity. Several measures drew extended debate. HB 181, which would allow the legislative auditor access to Medicaid and SNAP-related tax information for eligibility verification and fraud review, prompted concerns about privacy and scope but ultimately passed 26-8. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners generated amendment discussion about board composition and transparency, including live video broadcasting of meetings, but was returned to the calendar before final action. HB 1018, creating a temporary local moratorium on certain alcohol permits in one Shreveport district, passed after discussion about broader policy solutions. The Senate then recessed for lunch at 2 p.m. after completing the subject-to-call list for the morning session.

Transcript Highlights:

• risk<00:25:48.080> to<00:25:48.279> the<00:25:48.480> public<00:25:49.279>
• c> I'll<01:25:03.000> uh<01:25:03.159> defer<01:25:03.560> the<01:25:03.679>
• c> my<01:25:05.280> mayor<01:25:05.679> here<01:25:06.119> uh<01:25:06.239><
• :25:56.960> our<01:25:57.679> uh<01:25:57.840> City<01:25:58.480> uh<01:25
• Rapids Dam itself is about a $25 million project, if I recall correctly.

Bills: HF343, HF446, HF448, HF674, HF811, HF832, HF1661, HF1528, HF1536, HF1541, HF1670, HF1438, HF1714, HF1748, HF1835, HF1904, HF1929, HF1942

Keywords: HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will improve project This bill will improve project efficiency,<00:25:01.039> reduce
• > to<00:25:13.440> build<00:25:13.679> projects<00:25:14.000> that will allow
• us to build projects that will allow us to build projects that reflect<00:25:14.720> the<00:25
• I encourage<00:25:19.520> you<00:25:19.679> to<00:25:19.840> support<00:25:20.080
• . project. project.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.559> that<00:25:00.799> are<00:25:00.960> paid<00:25:01.279> on<00:25
• <00:25:02.880> Places<00:25:03.120> where<00:25:03.360> states<00:25:03.679>
• I mentioned, enrollment is also above<00:25:11.279> previous<00:25:11.760> projections.
• waiver services increase<00:25:24.480> projected<00:25:25.039> general<00:25:25.279>
• > fund<00:25:25.600> spending increase projected general fund spending increase projected

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Aaron Campbell, State Economist Dr. Tony Becker, and State Budget Director Anna Mingi presented the November 2025 budget and economic forecast. Campbell said the state now projects a nearly $2.5 billion surplus at the end of the 2026-27 biennium, about $575 million better than the end-of-session estimate, but also a projected negative balance of about $2.9 billion in FY 2028-29, reflecting a worsening structural imbalance. He said the budget reserve stands at $3.4 billion, with cash flow and budget reserves totaling $3.8 billion after a $244 million addition, and emphasized that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy remain strengths even as future sessions will need to address the long-term gap. Becker said the national economic outlook has changed only modestly since February, but growth remains below trend through the forecast horizon. He cited slower consumer spending, weak private investment, continued tariff uncertainty, lower projected immigration, and modest inflation that stays near 3% through 2026 before easing. Revenue forecasts for the next biennium were revised up to $66.3 billion, driven mainly by higher individual income tax receipts and other revenue, partly offset by lower sales and corporate tax forecasts. He also noted risks from federal policy changes, the recent shutdown’s effect on data availability, and possible equity market volatility. Mingi said general fund spending is projected to rise sharply, with current biennium spending up $3.4 billion from end-of-session estimates and planning-year spending up $1.9 billion. She attributed much of the increase to carryforward from prior one-time appropriations, discretionary inflation, and especially Medical Assistance. MA costs are projected to be about $2.5 billion higher over 2025-29, largely because managed care rates rose more than expected due to higher utilization and higher-cost services, including pharmacy costs, while long-term care and disability waiver costs also increased. In response to questions, officials said the federal reconciliation bill had only a relatively small effect on the health care changes, and that the carryforward amounts reflect unspent prior appropriations that now show up in later years rather than new spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• . project. project.
• Uh<00:25:27.200> it's<00:25:27.440> not<00:25:27.920> we<00:25:28.080> don't<
• > from<00:25:29.520> DOR<00:25:30.160> of<00:25:30.320> who<00:25:30.720>
• :25:35.880> just<00:25:36.240> to<00:25:36.280> put<00:25:36.440> it<00:25
• >> And<00:25:55.960> and<00:25:56.160> one<00:25:56.320> more<00:25:56.480

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:54 Approval of Minutes 0:01:08 Information Items 0:03:18 Postsecondary Institutions - UK 0:18:10 Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:30:13 KY Infrastructure Authority 0:37:30 Cabinet for Economic Development 0:52:11 Office of Financial Management 0:59:20 Remaining 2026 Mtg Dates 1:00:49 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 27 minutes and then received several informational reports, including University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s use of $200 million in Ever funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt issuances, UK’s planned use of construction manager-at-risk delivery on five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital projects under House Bill 6, and 14 UK lease improvements. Members were told the House Bill 6 item was also being discussed in the Information Technology Oversight Committee and could return later if needed. The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request to approve a $600 million public-private partnership for central plants and utility infrastructure tied to the Chandler expansion. UK said it would shift $200 million from previously authorized restricted funds into the P3, leaving the project financed through private equity and nonprofit debt with no UK or Commonwealth debt. UK representatives said the project is necessary to support 24/7 hospital operations, expand and modernize utility systems, improve redundancy and efficiency, and reduce long-term operating risk. Members asked about the source of the availability payments, which UK said would come from UK Healthcare revenues, and the committee approved the P3 agreement unanimously. The committee also approved a UK lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine annex near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease costs $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports medical education expansion in the region, including growth from 120 to 160 students over four years. Members voiced support for the local impact, and the lease passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved a Transportation Cabinet aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport, funded by $1,153,000 in federal money and $950,000 from the Aviation Economic Development Fund, which is supported by a 6% jet fuel tax with a $1 million annual cap per company. Members asked about the fund balance, the cap, and airport revenue sources, and staff said the airport also receives entitlement and federal infrastructure funds and earns revenue from hangar rent and fuel sales. The committee then approved two Finance and Administration Cabinet pool projects: a roof and skylight replacement at the Libraries and Archives building and exterior repairs at several state buildings. Finally, the committee approved six Kentucky Infrastructure Authority action items after hearing about one loan increase for the Springfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and five grant reallocations tied to Cleaner Water Program and county allocation pool funds. Members asked why one project approved in 2024 was only now increasing, and KIA explained that design, water division review, environmental review, and bidding can take one to two years. KIA also reported additional no-action items, including a Brandenburg water grant split among two projects and 17 Kentucky Waters projects provided for information. The meeting ended with approval of the action items and no further action on the informational grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• surface<00:25:22.360> Transportation<00:25:23.120> bill<00:25:23.600> as<00:25:
• c> and<00:25:27.799> it<00:25:27.880> is<00:25:28.320> primarily<00:25:28.840
• > um<00:25:32.320> in<00:25:32.799> 2022<00:25:33.799> two<00:25:34.000><
• <00:25:45.080> and<00:25:45.320> tax<00:25:45.720> credits<00:25:46.720>
• > science<00:25:48.000> act<00:25:48.320> also<00:25:48.600> passed<00:25

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:25:00.840> this<00:25:01.040> is<00:25:01.200> the<00:25:01.280> one
• <00:25:03.240> Um<00:25:03.760> so<00:25:04.440> the<00:25:04.560> total<
• Um so the total cost of the project project project >> Mr.<00:25:05.960> Biersly,<00:25:
• That<00:25:10.480> says<00:25:10.679> Minnesota<00:25:11.200> Port<00:25:11.440>
• <00:25:14.400> Okay,<00:25:14.720> thank<00:25:15.000> you<00:25:15.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > retention<00:24:59.840> project<00:25:00.520> in<00:25:00.679> the<00:25
• have their input<00:25:18.039> on<00:25:18.200> the<00:25:18.399> projects<00:25
• on the projects now we do welcome input on the projects now we do welcome input<00:25:20.640> in<
• Red River Valley on our projects<00:25:22.440> but<00:25:22.919> we<00:25:23.039> are
• :25:41.919> to<00:25:42.080> do<00:25:42.279> that<00:25:42.440> but<00:25

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 8, which was moved for referral to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. The bill’s author described it as a permitting and environmental review reform measure intended to maintain environmental standards while making permitting more predictable and timely for businesses, municipalities, and agricultural projects. He walked through nine sections, including limiting Wetland Conservation Act extension requests, requiring the MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, separating municipal and industrial permit data, allowing judicial review when the MPCA misses a 150-day two-tier permit goal, requiring quicker notice of incomplete applications, allowing separate construction and operation permits, creating a business permitting ombudsman at DEED, eliminating duplicative scoping EA requirements for projects already requiring a mandatory EIS, and adding an intent statement that the bill does not relax standards. The author and supporters emphasized that the bill is meant to reduce delays and duplication rather than weaken protections. He cited letters of support from groups including Building Trades, Mining Minnesota, pork producers, the Minnesota Biofuels Association, Apex, and the Red River Watershed, while noting that some groups opposed the bill. Testimony in support came from the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Red River Watershed Management Board, and Minnesota Milk, all of whom said permitting delays and inconsistent processes add significant cost and uncertainty. They argued the bill would help farmers, watershed projects, and businesses invest and expand in Minnesota while preserving environmental standards. Supporters also provided examples of the costs of current permitting processes, including long delays for air permits, repeated extensions, and large sums spent on environmental review before projects are halted or delayed. The Red River Watershed Management Board said its projects have spent millions on permitting and review, with some projects taking years and involving many permits from state, local, and federal agencies. Minnesota Milk said the bill and amendment would let farmers and responsible governmental units sequence applications more efficiently. No vote was taken in the portion provided beyond the motion to recommend re-referral, and the committee proceeded to public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• > you<01:25:04.000> have<01:25:04.119> a<01:25:04.440> bill<01:25:05.440>
• we'll find<01:25:17.400> if<01:25:17.520> we<01:25:17.679> follow<01:25:17.960>
• :21.840> long<01:25:21.960> as<01:25:22.119> we<01:25:22.280> also<01:25:
• 22.880> um<01:25:23.360> you<01:25:23.480> know<01:25:23.760> apply<01:25
• 01:25:28.080> if<01:25:28.239> I<01:25:28.440> can<01:25:29.440> turn<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:08.159> be<00:25:08.320> a<00:25:08.480> good<00:25:08.720> point.
• Um and the um<00:25:11.440> a<00:25:11.600> lot<00:25:11.760> of<00:25:11.840>
• > the<00:25:12.000> members,<00:25:12.559> a<00:25:12.640> lot<00:25:12.880>
• We're glad to we're<00:25:19.760> happy<00:25:20.000> to<00:25:20.240> see<00:25
• ><00:25:23.440> first<00:25:24.080> several<00:25:24.480> months<00:25:24.720>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on Transportation, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a road fund update from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Sean McCernan, and Ron Rigney. McCernan reported that FY 2024-2025 road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but was about $11 million below FY24 because of a lower motor fuels tax rate. He said motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and that the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus account that, under the budget bill, must be appropriated to state construction. Members focused heavily on how declining motor fuels receipts affect the formula funds that support cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads. Hancock and McCernan explained that lower gas tax receipts reduce both the road plan and revenue sharing, while higher vehicle sales tax receipts from motor vehicle usage go directly to the road fund and do not help the formula distributions. They also said fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric vehicle trends, and the removal of a prior hybrid fee all affect revenue collections. On tolling, officials said Louisville bridge toll revenues are covering bills and commitments, but they did not have the latest collection figures in front of them and said they would provide them later. The committee also asked about project delivery delays, right-of-way acquisition, disaster recovery work, annual contract awards, cash management, and overprogramming in the highway plan. Officials said project delays often stem from right-of-way purchases, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the plan, and described the process as a “duck paddling” situation with substantial work happening behind the scenes. They said FY25 contract awards were already just under $998 million by the July letting and expected to exceed last year’s total, and explained that cash balances are managed so they do not fall below $100 million; the current balance was said to be about $166 million. No further votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

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• :25:50.000> greater has been in projects in greater has been in projects in greater Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house