Greetings,
I would like to encourage you to attend an upcoming meeting in Morris hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to share your thoughts on state ditch-mowing policies.
Last year, MnDOT indicated that it planned to change its statewide permitting standards for mowing and baling in ditches along Minnesota’s state roadways. Numerous concerns arose over the proposed changes and we, the legislature, successfully passed a bill placing a moratorium on new mowing rules along state highways – excluding county and township roads – until May of 2018. This moratorium helps to ensure that the public and other key stakeholders have ample opportunity to provide input regarding the changes prior to enforcement. We pushed for an outright ban on new ditch mowing regulations, however, that idea was strongly opposed by Governor Dayton.
The meeting will take place November 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the University of Minnesota Morris Conference Room Science Auditorium (600 E. 4th St.). You can also submit written comments via email by filling out a MnDOT comment form.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in Morris, check out MnDOT’s website for other locations and times.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929, 701-361-1909, or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
