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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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BILL AUTHORED BY REP. HANSEN RECEIVES COMMITTEE HEARING
(ST. PAUL) – A bill authored by state Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul), received a hearing in the State Government Finance Committee today. The bill, HF 684, would appropriate $1.5 million in bonding money for grants to local governments to install, renovate, or replace ventilation systems in indoor ice arenas.
There have been increasing concerns about the air quality in indoor ice arenas in the last few years, with several incidents of people suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Their concerns have resulted in changes to ice arena rules to improve air quality. These funds will assist local governments in upgrading their facilities.
“Hockey and skating are Minnesota traditions," said Rep. Hansen. “We have a history of and responsibility for making sure our young participants and their coaches, parents, and fans are safe,” said Rep. Hansen.
Minnesota was the first state to pass rules to protect individuals from exposures to exhaust emissions that can occur in ice arenas. Minnesota promulgated an ice arena rule in 1973 after carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emitted from a resurfacing machine caused illness in spectators and hockey players. In 1977, the rule was amended to regulate all enclosed sports arenas when any type of internal combustion engine is in use.
“The money in this bill would help local governments make these important health and safety improvements,” added Rep. Hansen.
The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission testified in support of the measure, and arena managers from Mankato and South St. Paul described the need for the bill.
Jayson Dwelle, the Wakota Ice Arena manager from South St. Paul also testified in favor of the bill.
“This is an important piece of funding that will help a lot of facilities that might struggle to afford the required maintenance and upgrades to keep up with new Department of Health regulations,” said Dwelle.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future bonding bill.
News Items
- House Passes Environment, Natural Resources, & Agriculture Conference Committee Report - (Posted: May 19 2013 12:00AM)
- Rep. Hansen: Legacy Bill Good For Environment, Cultural Institutions - (Posted: May 13 2013 12:00AM)
- House Passes Rep. Hansen's Sick Time Leave Legislation - (Posted: May 21 2013 11:51AM)
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