Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to address the effects of transportation construction projects on local businesses. It seeks to ensure that businesses impacted by construction activities have a point of contact and receive adequate communication and support. The bill establishes the requirement for a local business construction impacts assistance program.

Main Provisions

• Business Liaison Requirement: Before construction begins on any project expected to significantly impact business operations, a transportation authority must appoint a business liaison. This individual will serve as the main contact between the construction project and affected businesses.

• Liaison Responsibilities: The business liaison is responsible for consulting with businesses before and during construction. They will investigate and recommend ways to reduce the negative impacts of the project, such as providing information on project timelines, road closures, and other disruptions.

• Communication Plan: A transportation authority must develop a construction communication plan for projects with substantial business impacts. This plan should be made in consultation with the business liaison.

  • The plan includes methods for distributing information, notices to businesses, tenants, and property owners, development of comprehensive project information, and a schedule for project updates.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes new requirements for transportation authorities to identify projects with substantial business impacts before construction begins.
• Introduces the mandatory appointment of a business liaison for these projects.
• Mandates detailed communication plans that offer guidance and updates to the affected businesses about the construction project.

Relevant Terms

• Business impairment
• Construction impacts assistance
• Business liaison
• Transportation authority
• Communication plan