Minnesota Constitution Article XIV. Public highway system
Minnesota Constitution – Article XIV: Public Highway System
This article of the Minnesota Constitution outlines the framework, funding, and maintenance of the state's public highways. Below is a section-by-section summary of Article XIV:
Section 1. Public highway system
Establishes that a trunk highway system will be created and maintained by the state for public use.
The system is to be constructed, improved, and maintained under legislative authority.
Section 2. Trunk highway fund
All money from motor vehicle registration fees and excise taxes on motor fuel must be deposited in the trunk highway fund.
This fund can only be used for highway purposes, such as construction, maintenance, and administration.
Section 3. Highway user tax distribution fund
All highway user taxes (from vehicle fuel, license fees, etc.) are to be placed into a special fund called the highway user tax distribution fund.
The legislature must allocate this fund only for public highway purposes and divide it among trunk highways, county roads, and municipal streets.
Section 4. County state-aid highway fund
A portion of the highway user tax distribution fund goes into the county state-aid highway fund.
Used for county road systems, distributed based on statutory formulas considering needs and usage.
Section 5. Municipal state-aid street fund
Similar to Section 4, but for municipal (city) streets.
Supports cities in improving and maintaining their roadways.
Section 6. Road tax for state road construction
Allows the legislature to levy a road tax to fund state road construction.
Tax revenue must be credited to the trunk highway fund.
Section 7. Apportionment of road taxes
Specifies how revenue from state road taxes is to be distributed fairly among counties based on need and road mileage.
Section 8. Interstate highway construction
Grants the state power to participate in interstate highway construction and to use highway funds for that purpose.
Key Takeaways:
The article ensures a dedicated and protected funding mechanism for the construction and maintenance of roads.
It divides the responsibility between the state, counties, and cities.
Funds from vehicle-related taxes and fees are constitutionally restricted for highway use only.
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