Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend existing laws in Minnesota to reduce the negative effects of transportation construction projects on local businesses. It establishes a requirement for transportation authorities to alleviate business disruptions caused by such projects and introduces a local business construction impacts assistance program.

Main Provisions

• Business Impacts Identification: Before starting any construction project, transportation authorities must determine if there will be significant business impacts lasting at least one month for local businesses.

• Business Liaison Appointment: For projects with expected substantial impacts, a designated business liaison will be appointed. This person acts as a connector between the transportation authority and affected businesses to address concerns and discuss potential mitigation strategies, including improved signage.

• Communication Strategy: Authorities must create a construction communication plan for projects with significant business impacts. This plan should outline how project information will be shared, establish procedures for notifying affected parties, and develop resources like potential financial aid details from the local business assistance program.

• Ongoing Business Support: The bill mandates continuous consultation with businesses during construction to recommend solutions to minimize negative effects such as road access issues, parking, and visibility problems. It also requires regular updates on project timelines, road or lane closures, and detours.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill proposes new protocols for identifying and mediating business disruptions due to transportation projects. The concept of a business liaison and the structured communication plan are new obligations for transportation authorities.

Relevant Terms

transportation construction, business impacts, local business assistance, business liaison, communication plan, road access, parking, visibility, financial assistance.