Bill > HF2645

This bill establishes a construction mitigation grant program specifically designed to support businesses affected by a Trunk Highway 65 construction project in Blaine, Minnesota. The grants will be administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development and are targeted at qualified businesses (those with up to 40 employees) experiencing substantial business impacts such as impaired road access, parking, or visibility for at least one month during the highway improvement project. Grant awards will be prioritized based on criteria including revenue decline, construction duration, proximity to construction, traffic disruption severity, and pedestrian access challenges. Businesses can use the grants for payroll, operating, or facilities expenses, but not for bonuses, new equipment, or construction expansion. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 for these grants, with the commissioner allowed to retain up to 2% for administrative costs. Recipients will be tracked through annual reports submitted to legislative committees, which must include details about each grant recipient. The program is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and grants will be available until June 30, 2029, with the aim of helping local businesses survive during significant infrastructure improvements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2645&ssn=0&y=2025