The planning, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of commuter rail track, facilities, and services are governmental functions, serve a public purpose, and are a matter of public necessity. The commissioner shall be responsible for all aspects of planning, developing, constructing, operating, and maintaining commuter rail, including system planning, advanced corridor planning, preliminary engineering, final design, construction, negotiating with railroads, and developing financial and operating plans. The commissioner may enter into a memorandum of understanding or agreement with a public or private entity, including a regional railroad authority, a joint powers board, and a railroad, to carry out these activities. The commissioner, or public entity contracting with the commissioner, may contract with a railroad that is a Class I railroad under federal law for the joint or shared use of the railroad's right-of-way or the construction, operation, or maintenance of rail track, facilities, or services for commuter rail purposes. Notwithstanding section 3.732, subdivision 1, clause (2), or section 466.01, subdivision 6, sections 466.04 and 466.06 govern the liability of the Class I railroad and its employees arising from the joint or shared use of the railroad right-of-way or the provision of commuter rail construction, operation, or maintenance services pursuant to the contract. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a contract with the Class I railroad for any commuter rail service, or joint or shared use of the railroad's right-of-way, may also provide for the allocation of financial responsibility, indemnification, and the procurement of insurance for the parties for all types of claims or damages. A contract entered into under this section does not affect rights of employees under the federal Employers' Liability Act, United States Code, title 45, section 51 et seq., or the federal Railway Labor Act, United States Code, title 45, section 151 et seq.
1999 c 230 s 20; 2006 c 206 s 1; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 25; 2022 c 55 art 1 s 106
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation
Chapter 174 — Department Of Transportation
Section 174.01 — Creation; Policy.
Section 174.02 — Commissioner's Powers And Duties.
Section 174.03 — Duties Of Commissioner.
Section 174.04 — Financial Assistance; Applications; Disbursement.
Section 174.06 — Transfer Of Powers.
Section 174.10 — Proceedings Involving Carriers.
Section 174.11 — Property Acquisitions; Notice To County Auditor.
Section 174.12 — Transportation Economic Development Program.
Section 174.13 — Transportation Programming And Investment Committee.
Section 174.14 — Value Analysis Of Project; Policy.
Section 174.16 — Contract To Include Value Analysis Authorization.
Section 174.17 — Evaluation Of Value Engineering Proposals.
Section 174.18 — Advertisement Of Highway Contract.
Section 174.185 — Pavement Life-cycle Cost Analysis.
Section 174.186 — Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Collaborative.
Section 174.20 — Pavement Selection Guidelines.
Section 174.21 — Public Transit Assistance And Transportation Management; Purpose.
Section 174.23 — General Powers And Duties.
Section 174.24 — Public Transit Participation Program.
Section 174.247 — Annual Transit Report.
Section 174.255 — Paratransit Program; Accessibility; Insurance.
Section 174.256 — Park-and-ride Program.
Section 174.257 — Ride-sharing Program.
Section 174.27 — Public Employer Commuter Van Program.
Section 174.285 — Minnesota Council On Transportation Access.
Section 174.29 — Coordination Of Special Transportation Service.
Section 174.295 — Eligibility Certification; Penalty For Fraud.
Section 174.30 — Operating Standards For Special Transportation Service.
Section 174.315 — Special Transportation; Ambulance Service Prohibited.
Section 174.35 — Light Rail Transit.
Section 174.36 — Notice Of Studies Of High-speed Rail.
Section 174.38 — Active Transportation Program.
Section 174.40 — Safe Routes To School Program.
Section 174.42 — Transportation Alternatives Projects.
Section 174.45 — Public-private Partnerships; Joint Program Office.
Section 174.50 — Minnesota State Transportation Fund.
Section 174.51 — Minnesota State Transportation Bonds.
Section 174.52 — Local Road Improvement Fund.
Section 174.525 — Transportation Loan Pilot Program.
Section 174.53 — Department Of Transportation Efficiencies.
Section 174.57 — Snow And Ice Control; Appropriation.
Section 174.58 — State Road Construction Prior Appropriations.
Section 174.60 — Railroad Passenger Service Provided.
Section 174.62 — Authority To Enter Into Agreement.
Section 174.63 — Public Hearing; Notice.
Section 174.632 — Passenger Rail; Commissioner's Duties.
Section 174.634 — Passenger Rail; Funding.
Section 174.636 — Passenger Rail; Exercise Of Power.
Section 174.64 — Functions And Powers Relating To Carriers.
Section 174.65 — Carrier Hearings And Appeals.
Section 174.66 — Continuation Of Carrier Rules.
Section 174.70 — Public Safety Radio Communications.
Section 174.75 — Complete Streets.
Section 174.82 — Commuter Rail; Commissioner's Duties; Contracts.
Section 174.84 — Commuter Rail System Planning.
Section 174.86 — Commuter Rail Plan; Review.
Section 174.88 — Commuter Rail Funding.