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Construction awareness assistance

Published (5/2/2008)
By Mike Cook
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What its House sponsor termed “a real good bill for small business” is on its way to the governor.

Sponsored by Rep. Shelley Madore (DFL-Apple Valley) and Sen. Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-Mpls), HF4055/SF3669* would require the Transportation Department to develop a standard operating plan for getting information to small businesses that could be impacted by transportation construction projects.

It was approved 111-19 by the House April 30. Senate approval was given April 3 on a 66-0 vote.

To be developed in consultation with the Metropolitan Council, counties and cities, the plan would address the best way to communicate this information to small businesses; what should be included in an information packet, such as potential changes in parking, traffic and public access in the area; and recommendations for opportunities to provide further assistance to small businesses.

“This came to me from a couple of business groups that were disappointed that there were projects going on in front of their buildings, and they were not informed of ways to work with their local government to be sure their business impact was minimal,” Madore said.

A fiscal note indicates a $43,000 cost.

Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria) questioned why any money should be spent for this at a time when money is tight. “MnDOT does a pretty good job, and the public generally knows when there’s going to be bulldozers coming down the street, widening the street, adding a turn lane, putting in a new project, whatever the case may be.”

Rep. Ken Tschumper (DFL-La Crescent) said a recent example in his hometown shows the need.

He said MnDOT put up barriers April 21 to complete a project that began last year. He said city officials and local businesses were not informed, and that the district engineer admitted he maybe should have informed the locals. “Just this morning we got MnDOT to agree to a better diversion or rerouting of traffic,” he said. “They did no consultation. It caused one local businessman to lose $70,000 a day in revenue from his filling station.”

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