Purpose

Designates January as Snow Professionals Appreciation Month to recognize and educate the public about the contributions of snow professionals who work to keep Minnesota’s winter transportation network safe and functional.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new section in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10 establishing January each year as Snow Professionals Appreciation Month.
• Defines snow professionals as workers who clear snow and manage ice to keep streets, sidewalks, and recreational paths safe; this includes plowing thousands of miles of roads and applying salt and sand.
• Describes the range of snow removal services from small residential shoveling to large commercial plowing and deicing.
• States that snow removal is a significant part of Minnesota’s winter economy.
• Directs the governor to promote and encourage public observance of Snow Professionals Appreciation Month to educate the public.

Changes to Law (Significant Changes)

• Creates a new statutory designation (Snow Professionals Appreciation Month) within Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10.
• Authorizes the governor to promote and encourage observance of the month.

Implications and Effects

• Largely ceremonial and educational in nature, aimed at public awareness and recognition of snow professionals and their work.
• No specific funding or new programs are specified in the text.

Background/Context

• Emphasizes the essential role of snow professionals in winter maintenance, safety, and the winter economy.
• Highlights the diverse scope of work, from individual homeowners to large businesses, involved in snow removal and ice management.

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Relevant Terms - Snow Professionals Appreciation Month - January - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10 - Snow professionals - Snow removal - Snow plowing - Deicing - Salt - Sand - Winter weather - Governor - Promote / observance - Public education - Roads / sidewalks / recreational paths - Winter economy - Dispatch / crews