It's far from being a done deal, but a provision in the state Senate's omnibus transportation bill would allow the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul impose a parking facility fee on ramps and lots in the downtown areas.

The fee to be set and collected by the cities could be uniform throughout the defined area, or could vary based on zoning, location or "other factors determined by the city," according to a section of Senate File 2098.

In Minneapolis, the downtown area is defined as west of the Mississippi River, west of I-35W, north and east of I-94 and south of Plymouth Avenue.

In St. Paul, downtown is defined as the area north of the Mississippi River, west of the Lafayette Bridge parking lots, south of I-35E and I-94, and east of Chestnut Street.

Both cities would be able to use any money collected for pedestrian improvements such as sidewalks and informational kiosks or for planning, designing and construction of any portion of a transit line or bicycle facility in the downtown area.

Money also could be used to improve public plazas or for entertainment or recreational activities. In Minneapolis, public plazas include Nicollet Mall, Peavey Plaza and the Downtown East Commons.

St. Paul would be allowed to designate proceeds for the same purposes for Rice Park, Mears Park, Wacouta Commons, Kellogg Park, Pedro Park, the Central Station Plaza or Cleveland Circle.

The fee applies only to off-street ramps and lots. It could not be imposed for on-street parking, which is regulated by parking meters.

There is no similar provision in the House version of its transportation bill.