Last week, the Trump Administration announced significant changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. A program that is critical to ensure we have a broad and diverse base of contractors working on federally funded MnDOT projects across the state.

The US Department Of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule that was published Friday, Oct. 3, that mandates states remove race and gender presumptions that help businesses qualify as DBEs and requires all currently certified DBE firms to individually demonstrate social and economic disadvantage, without regard to race or sex, if they want to re-qualify as a DBE.

Director, Office of Civil Rights, Sean Skibbie, says MnDOT is actively reviewing this direction and assessing the options. The purpose is to stay true to values and successfully deliver a transportation system that maximizes the health of people, the environment and the economy.

The Minnesota Department of Health is launching the state’s first-ever Drinking Water Action Plan to address drinking water issues. Water Policy Center manager Tannie Eshenaur says part of the plan is increasing education and outreach for private well users. It also includes strategies to address aging drinking water infrastructure across the state and different ways to protect the multiple different sources of drinking water in Minnesota. 

At the recommendation of the Clean Water Council, the State Legislature in 2023 directed the MDH, which is responsible for enforcing the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in Minnesota, to lead the development of this plan. The MDH enlisted the help of numerous partners and gathered input through community meetings, surveys and focus group discussions. 

The plan includes five broad goals: protect sources of drinking water, establish resilient drinking water infrastructure, ensure safe tap water, anticipate and manage emerging risks, and engage partners. The MDH says it plans to provide updates on the plan every two years. The full action plan can be found on the MDH website.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding the state’s military service members to take advantage of the 2021 Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. The Credit is a refundable military tax credit that is expiring Wednesday October 15th, for qualifying service members.

More than 2,735 service members were eligible for the 2021 Credit for Service, but about 830 service members still have not claimed the credit, worth $120 per month or partial month served. The department recently sent letters to these service members on how they may qualify for and claim the credit. To qualify for the credit, service members must have: 

• Been a Minnesota resident during the time of service
• Served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area during 2021
• Received combat pay that is exempt from federal and Minnesota income tax

Info on how to claim is available on the Department of Revenue website.

With the weather getting colder, it’s time to get those carbon monoxide alarms checked. Residents of Warroad, Roseau, Baudette and the surrounding areas are encouraged to call their local Fire Department and set up an appointment to have their carbon monoxide alarms checked this month.

Meanwhile, The State Fire Marshal’s Office is kicking off the event with the Rochester Fire Department today. 

Eight Minnesota fire departments will be receiving free carbon monoxide alarms to install in homes in their communities thanks to a federal grant. Those cities are Austin, Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Red Wing, Virginia and Willmar.

Firefighters will install the alarms free of charge in homes and educate residents about carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention.