Reimbursement requirement of certain utility facility relocations caused by transportation projects

This bill updates Minnesota laws to streamline how utility companies move their facilities when state transportation projects require it. It directly affects utility owners, the Department of Transportation, and contractors involved in highway construction. The legislation establishes specific timelines for reviewing relocation permits, requiring agencies to act within set deadlines or automatically approve the request. It also introduces a process where the state can pay utility relocation costs directly to contractors, removing the need for utilities to pay first and seek reimbursement later. Additionally, the bill mandates advance notice periods for moving high-voltage transmission lines and requires coordination meetings when multiple state projects overlap.