ST. PAUL – In an effort to assist local businesses that are being negatively impacted due to the closure of Benson Power, State Representative Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg) is sponsoring legislation that would help these companies recoup some of their losses.
“Last year after it was determined that Benson Power would be closed down, we found some money for the City of Benson, but the news put some supporting businesses in a very difficult position,” Miller said. “The goal of this bill is to provide them some assistance.”
Miller’s proposal would set aside $40 million from Minnesota’s Renewable Development Account for this purpose. From there, an Administrative Law judge would determine a business’ financial losses due to the closure of the facility and determine how much could be recuperated.
Miller points to companies such as North American Fertilizer and local trucking companies as examples of those who took significant financial hits.
“Lawmakers understand that these kind of fiscal losses could inevitably be job killers in rural Minnesota, so we are working very hard to address this problem,” Miller said.
Miller said his bill will be officially unveiled next week. He encourages anyone with questions to contact his office at 651-296-4228 or by email at rep.tim.miller@house.mn.