No trespassing in tunnels (new law)

There are approximately 600 miles of underground tunnels and sewers in St. Paul. Until now, there was no statute making it illegal to trespass, specifically into those tunnels housing utilities or technological equipment.

Signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty April 24, a new law makes entering an underground structure with utility lines without permission a gross misdemeanor. The law applies whether the structure has any type of posted warning.

Sponsored by Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), the new law is effective Aug. 1, 2008.

Mark Mullen, a senior security consultant for Xcel Energy, said there have been instances where people have entered into the underground tunnels attempting to steal wiring. In one instance, the attempted theft led to a power outage in a local hospital that required the evacuation of an entire floor.

This is not only a public safety issue, Paymar said. It is critical for the state’s utility and technological infrastructure.

HF3228/SF2828*/CH217