1.1A bill for an act1.2relating to transportation; requiring report on mitigating effects of transportation 1.3construction projects on small businesses.1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:1.5    Section 1. REPORT ON MITIGATION OF TRANSPORTATION 1.6CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS.1.7    (a) The commissioner of transportation shall submit a report to the chairs and 1.8ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over 1.9transportation policy and finance and over economic development policy and finance that 1.10proposes a model public information program targeted at small businesses as defined in 1.11Minnesota Statutes, section 645.445, subdivision 2, that are impacted by transportation 1.12construction projects.1.13    (b) The report must include, but not be limited to:1.14    (1) identification of methods and techniques for informing small businesses about 1.15upcoming transportation construction projects;1.16    (2) a description of components of an information packet for businesses, which 1.17includes:1.18    (i) the nature, extent, and timing of planned construction, including anticipated 1.19changes in parking, traffic, and public access in the area;1.20    (ii) identification of a contact within the appropriate road authority that can provide 1.21information about construction progress and timing; and1.22    (iii) a listing of area business development organizations that can assistant businesses 1.23with financing, marketing, and technical counseling during the construction period; and2.1    (3) recommendations for opportunities to provide further assistance to small 2.2businesses impacted by transportation construction projects.2.3    (c) In preparing the report, the commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of 2.4employment and economic development, the Metropolitan Council, counties, cities, and 2.5community organizations, including a metropolitan consortium of community developers 2.6and local chambers of commerce.2.7    (d) The commissioner of transportation shall submit the report no later than March 2.815, 2009.