A State Shutdown Might Delay Two Roseville Road Projects

At least two road projects in Roseville might be delayed if the state government shutdown comes to pass on July 1, a city official said today.

“The mill and overlay (work) on County Road C-2 between Hamline and Snelling Avenue will halt until the shutdown is resolved,” said Carolyn Curti, Roseville communications specialist. “The state will make sure the roadway remains safe and passable, but the work stoppage may delay the completion on the project.”

Depending on the length of the government shutdown, the Fairview Avenue pathway improvement project may be delayed, Curti added. Construction on that project is scheduled to start in August, she said. That project includes putting in continuous pathways on both sides of Fairview Avenue between County Road B-2 and County Road B and a new off- street, eight-foot wide bituminous pathway on the east side of Fairview between County Road B and Larpenteur Avenue.

Meanwhile, it’s uncertain whether work on the Rice Street bridge over Highway 36 will stop, Curti said.  “The state argues that the work in not essential, other than traffic control and erosion control. Ramsey County is considering their options about how they could keep the work going. Log on to www.co.ramsey.mn.us/pw/construction.htm for the latest news on this project.”

 Curti said other possible impacts of a state shutdown are as follows:

-Roseville may face delays in state aid reimbursement on street projects, but “the city does not expect this to be overly burdensome.”

-Roseville’s Community Development Department said there could be some minor inconveniences for some residents and businesses. The Minnesota Construction Codes and Licensing Division will shut down, but the contractor-licensing Web site will remain open so the city will be able to issue residential building permits.

-Inconveniences may occur if a resident files a warranty action through the state or a complaint against a building contractor. Investigation of the complaints would be delayed.

-Some commercial construction projects could be shut down if the state does not perform plumbing plan reviews. Then, the city would not be able to issue the plumbing permit on the commercial projects. This would not affect residential projects.

-The Roseville License Center will continue to process drivers’ licenses and passports. However, the City received word that the Department of Natural Resources Electronic Licensing system will not be open if the shutdown occurs July 1. That means the city will not be able to sell boat, snow or ATV licenses, or hunting or fishing licenses.