as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/11/2020 03:51pm
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:
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This section applies to any trunk highway construction,
reconstruction, or maintenance project that:
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(1) alters access, increases or reduces highway traffic capacity, or requires acquisition
of permanent rights-of-way;
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(2) is a major highway project, as defined in section 174.56, subdivision 1;
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(3) is subject to the requirements under section 160.165; or
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(4) provides for a dynamic shoulder lane or high-occupancy vehicle lane under section
160.93.
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(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:
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(1) finalization of the initial scoping document or report for the project; or
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(2) approval of the draft scoping decision document for the project, as provided in the
environmental review process under section 116D.04.
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(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.
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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.
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(a) At a minimum, public engagement activities
under this section must:
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(1) provide inclusive outreach to stakeholders reasonably likely to be impacted by the
project, including but not limited to:
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(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;
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(ii) community leaders;
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(iii) local elected officials; and
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(iv) traditionally underrepresented populations;
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(2) utilize multiple techniques to collect and disseminate information to stakeholders
and the general public;
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(3) convey information about the project, which must include but is not limited to
identified or anticipated impacts related to:
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(i) the environment;
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(ii) public health;
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(iii) noise levels;
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(iv) traffic levels; and
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(v) property acquisition;
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(4) be designed to increase awareness of local priorities, preferences, and interests; and
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(5) engage with stakeholders and interested parties in a manner that:
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(i) undertakes consultation to obtain feedback; and
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(ii) provides authentic involvement in identification of needs and objectives, project
development, and decision-making processes.
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(b) The commissioner must document the public engagement activities as required under
subdivision 5.
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(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:
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(1) the disposition, project modifications, or decisions made in response, including no
change in project design as applicable; and
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(2) a brief explanation or rationale regarding decision-making and actions under clause
(1).
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(b) The commissioner must make the documentation under this subdivision available
on the department's website.
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This section is effective June 1, 2021.
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