This bill aims to modify existing transportation laws in Minnesota by addressing the impacts of construction projects on local businesses. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 160.165, to establish clearer definitions related to business impairment and mandates that transportation authorities designate a business liaison to communicate with affected businesses during construction. The bill also introduces a new requirement for a construction communication plan that must be developed in consultation with the business liaison, ensuring that businesses receive timely information about project impacts, including access and visibility issues.

Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a Local Business Construction Impacts Assistance Program, which will provide financial assistance to businesses adversely affected by construction activities on covered projects. The program will be administered by the commissioner, who will establish eligibility criteria and application procedures. Eligible businesses must meet specific revenue and location requirements and can receive financial assistance payments that do not exceed $30,000. The bill outlines the allocation of project funds for this assistance and includes provisions for supplemental distributions if extensive business impacts persist beyond a designated milestone date. The effective date for these provisions is set for projects commencing on or after November 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026, for the assistance program.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 160.165