State Representative Terry Morrow was successful in passing a series of transportation-related provisions in the House today as part of the Transportation Policy Bill. These measures included establishing a MnDOT deputy commissioner/chief engineer position, refining the rules regarding implements of husbandry, and enhancing driver training by focusing on driving near school buses and trucks.

“I gladly carried this package of bills designed to enhance safety as our children learn to drive and as we preserve, maintain, and increase the safety of our roads and bridges,” Morrow said.

Hasting Bridge (MPR)

Morrow’s bill to create a licensed, professional engineer position within MnDOT’s upper management brings engineering expertise to the important road and bridge needs throughout Minnesota. This bill’s passage brings Minnesota in line with the 49 other states, all of which have a chief engineer and/or a professional engineer in upper management.

Working across party lines with Representative John Berns, Morrow improved the original bill by recognizing that the MnDOT commissioner might fulfill the licensed professional engineer requirement.

Morrow’s implements of husbandry bill successfully resolved years of disagreement. MnDOT, Minnesota’s counties, the county engineers, and the agricultural groups agreed with the bill, which clarified weight restrictions and other rules on bridges for certain farm vehicles.

“I am very impressed by the way that the interested parties came together and came to an agreement,” Morrow said. “This resolution brings some comfort to farmers and to county engineers working to keep our roads and bridges safe.”

Press Release, April 24