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HF 3059

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/13/2020 04:46pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 01/30/2020

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to transportation; establishing public engagement requirements for certain
trunk highway construction projects; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 161.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [161.1615] PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin This section applies to any trunk highway construction,
reconstruction, or maintenance project that:
new text end

new text begin (1) alters access, increases or reduces highway traffic capacity, or requires acquisition
of permanent rights-of-way;
new text end

new text begin (2) is a major highway project, as defined in section 174.56, subdivision 1;
new text end

new text begin (3) is subject to the requirements under section 160.165; or
new text end

new text begin (4) provides for a dynamic shoulder lane or high-occupancy vehicle lane under section
160.93.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Public engagement required. new text end

new text begin (a) For a trunk highway project that is subject
to this section, the commissioner must perform the activities identified in paragraph (b)
prior to the earliest of:
new text end

new text begin (1) finalization of the initial scoping document or report for the project; or
new text end

new text begin (2) approval of the draft scoping decision document for the project, as provided in the
environmental review process under section 116D.04.
new text end

new text begin (b) Within the time frame specified in paragraph (a), the commissioner must (1) develop
a public engagement plan, (2) identify a public engagement coordinator, and (3) commence
public engagement activities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Public engagement coordinator. new text end

new text begin Duties of the public engagement coordinator
include acting as a liaison between project staff and stakeholders, and ensuring that public
engagement activities meet the requirements under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Public engagement activities. new text end

new text begin (a) At a minimum, public engagement activities
under this section must:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide inclusive outreach to stakeholders reasonably likely to be impacted by the
project, including but not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (i) landowners, renters, and businesses that are located in proximity to the project area
or are likely to be affected as a result of the project;
new text end

new text begin (ii) community leaders;
new text end

new text begin (iii) local elected officials; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) traditionally underrepresented populations;
new text end

new text begin (2) utilize multiple techniques to collect and disseminate information to stakeholders
and the general public;
new text end

new text begin (3) convey information about the project, which must include but is not limited to
identified or anticipated impacts related to:
new text end

new text begin (i) the environment;
new text end

new text begin (ii) public health;
new text end

new text begin (iii) noise levels;
new text end

new text begin (iv) traffic levels; and
new text end

new text begin (v) property acquisition;
new text end

new text begin (4) be designed to increase awareness of local priorities, preferences, and interests; and
new text end

new text begin (5) engage with stakeholders and interested parties in a manner that:
new text end

new text begin (i) undertakes consultation to obtain feedback; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) provides authentic involvement in identification of needs and objectives, project
development, and decision-making processes.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must document the public engagement activities as required under
subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Documentation. new text end

new text begin (a) In documenting public engagement activities, the
commissioner must reproduce or summarize any comments submitted through written means
or testimony. For each actionable comment or group of related comments submitted, the
commissioner must provide:
new text end

new text begin (1) the disposition, project modifications, or decisions made in response, including no
change in project design as applicable; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a brief explanation or rationale regarding decision-making and actions under clause
(1).
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must make the documentation under this subdivision available
on the department's website.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective June 1, 2021.
new text end