State Highway Jurisdictional Transfer (Turnback) Program

Program overview The purpose of the program is to better serve the public by assigning roads to jurisdictions best suited to effectively and efficiently operate them. A road of lower priority for the state system may be a higher priority for the county or city system and visa versa. Highways transferred from the state to county or city jurisdictions often become part of the County State Aid Highway or Municipal State Aid Street systems.

Program origin and guidance Minnesota Constitution established the state trunk highway system not exceed 12,200 miles. The system size in 2014 was approximately 11,812 miles. Statutory duties and powers of the commissioner of transportation include guidance and authority to select suitable roads for the state system, to transfer roads between state and local agencies, and to enter into agreements with local governments. The commissioner uses these powers when local elected officials approve proposed transfers.

Program funding Minnesota Constitution also established the Highway Users Tax Distribution Fund (HUTDF) collecting revenue, in part, from fuel tax, license fees and motor vehicle sales tax. Within the HUTDF, the Flexible Highway Account includes funding for restoration of former trunk highways transferred to counties or cities. Available funds within the Flexible Highway Account are typically split 50/50 between the twin cities metropolitan area and greater Minnesota. Flexible Highway Account funds are spent as county and municipal state aid funds and all state aid rules and practices apply.

Project selection Jurisdictional transfers (turnbacks) are negotiated between MnDOT and the local agency partners. Funding for restoration is negotiated, projects are programmed and turnback agreements are approved by all agencies. Funding may be distributed in different ways; The contracting method requires a standard State Aid project, plan review, and approval before submitting a state aid payment request for County Turnback or Municipal Turnback Funds. The in-lieu payment method is determined by the negotiations and is stated in the Turnback Agreement as an In-Lieu payment versus development of a project.

Project funding distribution In-Lieu and Contracting Payment Methods Local agency requests distribution of funds by letter to the District State Aid Engineer (DSAE) and Turnback Program Manager. DSAE and Program Manager verify eligibility, confirm availability of funds and authorize submittal of State Aid Payment Request. Local agency submits State Aid payment request to DSAE, including designated fund type (turnback, safety improvement, routes or regional significance), estimated funding amounts, and other cost descriptions. DSAE approves and submits to State Aid Finance.

Questions? mark.vizecky@state.mn.us 651-366-3839 Program and project procedure Mark Vizecky mark.vizecky@state.mn.us 651-366-3839 Funding allocations Amie Wunderlich amie.wunderlich@state.mn.us 651-366-4915