Have you ever wondered how MnDOT sets their overall DBE goal? Have you thought it was too high or too low? Well the process is actually complex. The first thing to note is that MnDOT is required to submit their proposed goals for DBE participation on Federally Funded projects to the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration for approval and the goals they submit is for 3 years. Currently MnDOT invites public comment on the proposed statewide goals for DBE participation for federal fiscal years 2019-2021. The proposed FHWA goal is 12.23 percent and the proposed FTA goal is 9.12 percent on all U.S. Department of Transportation-assisted contracts.
Four public meetings are scheduled on the following dates to discuss the goals and methodology and receive public comment:
- July 9 – 9 a.m. to noon, MnDOT District 6 headquarters, 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester
- July 11 –1:30 to 3 p.m., Hiway Federal Credit Union 935 Old Olson Highway, Minneapolis
- July 13 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., MnDOT District 1 headquarters, 1123 Mesaba Ave., Duluth
- July 23 – 1 to 3 p.m., Ewald Conference Center, 1000 Westgate Drive, Saint Paul
The statewide goals and executive summary are available for public inspection July 3-31, 2018, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, Minn. Public comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., July 31, 2018.