This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance support for businesses affected by transportation construction projects. It modifies existing requirements related to construction impacts on businesses and establishes a new local business construction impacts assistance program. Key amendments include the definition of "business impairment" and the requirement for transportation authorities to designate a business liaison to communicate with affected businesses about project details, including potential impacts and mitigation strategies. Additionally, a construction communication plan must be developed in consultation with the business liaison to ensure timely information dissemination.

The bill also introduces a local business construction impacts assistance program, which provides financial support to eligible businesses adversely affected by construction activities on covered projects. Eligibility criteria include being a for-profit business or nonprofit organization that derives a significant portion of revenue from retail sales, has limited retail locations, and experiences extensive business impacts. The program mandates that road authorities allocate a portion of project funds for financial assistance, with specific guidelines for distribution and payment to ensure timely support for impacted businesses. The provisions of this bill will take effect for projects commencing on or after November 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026, for the assistance program.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 160.165