Highway project development and highway purposes requirements modifications

SF 817 modifies Minnesota's transportation laws to clarify what qualifies as "highway purposes" and adjust project review processes. It expands eligible uses of highway funds to include multimodal infrastructure like transit and active transportation within highway rights-of-way, and requires new community input through local advisory committees for major highway projects. The bill also explicitly prohibits using highway funds for items like electric vehicle charging infrastructure, tourism kiosks, or event sponsorships. These changes primarily affect the Minnesota Department of Transportation and local communities involved in highway planning, ensuring project funding aligns with updated transportation priorities.