Minnesota Session Laws - 2008, Regular Session

CHAPTER 308--S.F.No. 3669

An act

relating to transportation; requiring report on mitigating effects of transportation construction projects on small businesses.

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

Section 1.

new text begin REPORT ON MITIGATION OF TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance and over economic development policy and finance that proposes a plan targeted at small businesses as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 645.445, subdivision 2, that are impacted by transportation construction projects. new text end

new text begin (b) The report must include, but not be limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) identification of methods and techniques for informing small businesses about upcoming transportation construction projects; new text end

new text begin (2) a description of components of an information packet for businesses, which includes: new text end

new text begin (i) the nature, extent, and timing of planned construction, including anticipated changes in parking, traffic, and public access in the area; new text end

new text begin (ii) identification of a contact within the appropriate road authority that can provide information about construction progress and timing; and new text end

new text begin (iii) a listing of area business development organizations that can assist businesses with financing, marketing, and technical counseling during the construction period; new text end

new text begin (3) recommendations for opportunities and possible legislation to further assist small businesses impacted by transportation construction projects, including a process for consultation, before a transportation construction project begins, between the commissioner and local units of government to deal with parking, traffic, and access concerns of small businesses that will be impacted by the project; and new text end

new text begin (4) the cost of implementing the program described in the report. new text end

new text begin (c) In preparing the report, the commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of employment and economic development, the Metropolitan Council, counties, cities, and community organizations, including a metropolitan consortium of community developers and local chambers of commerce. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner of transportation shall submit the report no later than February 15, 2009. new text end

Presented to the governor May 12, 2008

Signed by the governor May 15, 2008, 2:46 p.m.