Bill > SF2747

This bill establishes a grant program to provide financial assistance to small businesses negatively impacted by the Trunk Highway 65 construction project in Blaine, Minnesota. The grants will be administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development and are designed to help businesses that employ up to 40 full-time or part-time employees and experience substantial business impacts such as reduced road access, parking difficulties, or decreased visibility during the construction. The commissioner will prioritize grant awards based on factors like revenue decline, construction duration, proximity to the project, traffic disruption severity, and pedestrian access challenges. Businesses can use the grant funds for payroll, operating expenses, or facility costs, but cannot use the money for bonuses, new equipment, or construction expansion. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the general fund for these grants, with the commissioner allowed to retain up to 2% for administrative costs. The program will run from July 1, 2025, until the project is completed, and the commissioner must submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing the grants awarded. The goal is to provide financial support to help local businesses survive during the significant infrastructure improvements along Trunk Highway 65.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2747&ssn=0&y=2025