QUOTE

Bill would limit rest-area stays, prohibit dumping

Star Tribune
February 16, 2010

Two Minneapolis legislators want to limit just how much rest can be had at Minnesota's highway rest areas and make it illegal to use them as free dump sites.

DFL Reps. Bobby Joe Champion and Frank Hornstein want a six-hour limit on how long motorists can park at rest stops. Exceptions would be made for commercial-vehicle operators and rest-area employees.

The proposal also seeks to forbid the pitching of tents or sleeping overnight outside of vehicles. If enacted, dumping household or commercial trash at rest stops also would be illegal.

Similar efforts during previous legislative sessions have not survived, Hornstein said.

The state Department of Transportation, which oversees Minnesota's dozens of rest areas, already lists on its website numerous rules and policies regarding rest stop use. Those include a six-hour stop limit for most motorists, with a 10-hour limit for commercial-vehicle operators. The rules also prohibit overnight camping, parking and pitching of tents, except for two rest areas (one on Hwy. 11 on the Rainy River; the other north of Appleton on Hwy. 12).

Rob Williams, MnDOT's rest area program manager, said Tuesday that the legislation is needed because current rules and policies "aren't truly enforceable. ... We have been working with the Legislature to get this bill enacted."

Williams added that the state is tired of disposing of large household items dumped at rest areas. He listed toilets, sinks and couches among the tons of stuff discarded.

Regarding visitors overstaying their welcome at rest areas, "We've had problems with people living at rest areas," he said. "This past weekend, a number of individuals were living at the Daytonport rest area, northwest of the Twin Cities" on Hwy. 10.

PAUL WALSH