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State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
Deer Creek Speedway noise exemption considered
The 2006 session is moving quickly; this week the Senate passed their bonding bill, the House is now charged with completing ours. I am hopeful that this will be done in a timely manner, moving the two versions into Conference Committee and then on to the Governor. This is the top priority of the legislative session, and I'm very pleased to see the progress that has been made
This week, we heard a bill in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee bill which has impact locally. House File 3496, a bill that modifies exemptions to noise standards, was presented to the committee by Committee Chair Rep. Tom Hackbarth. One intent of the bill is to change the date on previous legislation regarding exemptions for some highways, skeet, trap or shooting clubs, and motor vehicle race events. The impact of this change will give Deer Creek Speedway, by Racine, the same noise exemptions as the other 31 tracks in the state that were built before 1983.
As with many issues, finding a reasonable agreement between the two sides can be a challenge, but should be the goal. There were proponents on both sides of the issue at the hearing. Close neighbors to the racetrack have concerns about the noise level and interruption to their peaceful rural life; the racetrack owners need the ability to run a successful business. Last summer, I personally visited one neighbor during a race and can empathize with their situation regarding noise. Earlier this week, I was able to meet with the current owners of the racetrack (who are not the original owners) to get a better understanding of their position. I also had conversations with County Commissioner Ray Tucker, who represents this area.
As a result of my conversations and understanding of all sides, I offered an amendment to clarify that oversight of the racetrack, including noise restrictions and regulations, is the responsibility of the local unit of government. Mr. Tucker provided testimony highlighting the need for local control and the amendment also had support from The League of Minnesota Cities. Without this amendment, local units of government would not have been able to address or consider the neighbors' concerns. The amendment passed with full support of the committee.
The amended bill passed out of the Environment Policy Committee and moves to Civil Law Committee.
The bill isn't in final form yet, and I have some concerns about the neighbors' right to personal property protection. However, I have received assurance from the author, Rep. Hackbarth, that he will consider these remaining concerns with Rep. Jeff Johnson, the Chair of the Civil Law Committee, who recently authored the eminent domain legislation.
It is my hope that we are on our way to striking a reasonable balance that does a better job of protecting the interests of everyone concerned.
Highway 56
I received great news for our district this week from Nelrae Succio, a Transportation District Engineer. According to her, much needed improvements on Highway 56 have been moved up on the schedule; instead of the previous 2010 target date, bids will be sought at the end of April and construction will be completed this summer.
The improvements will include pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation, starting at County Road 46 to near the city limits of Brownsdale. A detour will be set up while the road is closed.
I have been a vocal advocate for our area road projects since taking office and am very pleased to hear that Highway 56 has just recently received a high priority status.
. Please continue to contact me with your suggestions and feedback. I can be reached by phone at 1-888-682-3180 or 1-651-296-4193, by mail at 231 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at the above address. If you are interested in receiving my weekly session e-newsletter, please email me at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn and your name will be added to our list. If you would like to stay more closely in touch with what is happening at the legislature, visit my website at http://www.house.mn/27B or the House of Representatives website at www.house.mn.
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
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