Minnesota shutdown has highway contractors in limbo

July 14, 2011
While the state of Minnesota continues to sit out a government shutdown, road and bridge builders were trying to stand up for what’s theirs.

Dean Thomson, an attorney representing road contractors, stood before a Ramsey County judge on July 13 trying to move projects forward. Construction was stopped on July 1 when the state legislature reached a budget impasse.

While the state of Minnesota continues to sit out a government shutdown, road and bridge builders were trying to stand up for what’s theirs.

Dean Thomson, an attorney representing road contractors, stood before a Ramsey County judge on July 13 trying to move projects forward. Construction was stopped on July 1 when the state legislature reached a budget impasse.

“This is a terrible message to be sending the rest of the country,” said Dave Semerad, executive director of the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota. “We’re sending the rest of the country a message that we can’t get our business done here in Minnesota.”

Thomson argued that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) had already entered into contracts, and if the agency could not come up with the necessary funding then it needed to shift dollars from other areas.

Judge Kathleen Gearin took the case under advisement, but said Thomson and others needed to force state officials to make a move.

State Rep. Mike Beard and Sen. Joe Gimse, who chair Minnesota’s transportation committee, presented similar arguments to Gearin on July 12.

“Previous legislatures have already appropriated the money that’s being spent on the construction projects that are now grinding to a halt,” said Beard.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...