Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to support small businesses that are adversely affected by the construction on Trunk Highway 65 in Blaine, Minnesota. It aims to provide financial assistance through construction mitigation grants to help these businesses maintain operations during the project.

Main Provisions

• Grant Program: The commissioner of employment and economic development, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, will distribute grants to businesses impacted by the Trunk Highway 65 construction project.
• Eligibility: Businesses must employ up to 40 full-time or part-time employees and experience substantial impacts such as impaired road access, parking, or visibility due to the construction for at least one month.
• Grant Usage: Funds can be used for employee payroll, operating expenses, and facilities expenses. They cannot be used for bonuses, new equipment, furniture, or construction and expansion efforts.

Significant Changes

• Prioritization Criteria: Grants will be awarded on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like the rate of decline in revenue, duration and severity of construction impact, proximity to construction, and pedestrian access difficulties.
• Reporting Requirement: By January 15, 2027, and annually until completion of the construction project, a report must be submitted detailing the grant distributions, including business details and award amounts.

Relevant Terms

Trunk Highway 65, construction mitigation grants, small businesses, financial assistance, business impacts, payroll expenses, operating expenses, grant eligibility, proximity to construction, pedestrian traffic disruption.