State Funded Projects in Minnesota Now Require Use of “American-made steel”
July 1, 2014
On May 20, 2014, the Minnesota governor signed into law H.F 2490, ch. 294, article 2, sec. 22, 2013 Minn. Laws (the “Act”), which generally provided for appropriations for capital improvements for a range of projects, including projects related to education, the arts, natural resources, public safety, administration, transportation, human services, military affairs, veterans affairs, employment and economic development, corrections, housing and more. Significantly for public entities receiving these appropriations and their government contractors, the Act contained a provision requiring projects included in the Act to use American-made steel to the extent practicable. Public entities and contractors involved in public construction projects in these areas should seek counsel to determine if a project requires American-made steel, and what steps must be taken to ensure the project complies with the law.