Saint Paul, MN—Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, and Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, are encouraging constituents to attend an upcoming meeting in Crookston hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to discuss state ditch mowing policies.
Last year, MnDOT indicated it planned to change its statewide permitting standards for mowing and baling in ditches along Minnesota’s state roadways. A number of concerns arose over the proposed changes and the Republican-led Legislature successfully authored a bill placing a moratorium on new mowing rules along state highways – excluding county and township roads – until May of 2018. This moratorium helped to ensure the public and key stakeholders had ample opportunity to provide input regarding the changes to permitting standards prior to their enforcement. Republicans pushed for an outright ban on new ditch mowing regulations, legislation that was strongly opposed by the Dayton Administration.
“I know many folks in Northwest Minnesota have serious concerns surrounding agency rulemaking and plans to change ditch mowing regulations. Whether attending the meeting or giving your commentary online, this is your opportunity to share your thoughts and input directly with MnDOT and the executive branch,” said Rep. Kiel.
“Republicans slowed down the implementation of this onerous ditch mowing rule, ensuring that the public and those affected by bureaucratic agency rulemaking can have a say in state policy,” said Rep. Fabian. “I would strongly recommend to those with concerns about ditch mowing to make your voice heard.”
The MnDOT listening session on ditch mowing will take place Monday, October 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Crookston in the Bede Ballroom. More information on this and other upcoming meetings can be found here: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/newsrels/17/10/12mow-hay.html
Constituents can also submit written comments online through a MnDOT comment form which can be found here: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/mowing/comments.html
Both Rep. Kiel and Rep. Fabian are encouraging anyone with questions to contact their office for more information.