Local approval for commercial and intercity rail projects required, and commissioner of transportation duties modified.

HF 2686 requires cities, counties, and towns to formally approve any intercity or commuter rail project before planning or construction can begin. The commissioner of transportation must obtain approval through either a local government resolution or a majority vote in a general election. After local approval, the commissioner must submit the project's physical design to affected local governments at least 30 days before a public hearing on the advanced corridor plan. This bill directly affects local governments, the commissioner, and rail project developers by mandating community input at multiple stages of rail project planning.