IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH
A MESSAGE FROM LOCAL 49 BUSINESS MANAGER JASON GEORGE
The 2019 work season is shaping to be one of the busiest seasons Local 49 has seen. Because of the recent success we have had at the MN Capitol, there are hundreds of millions of dollars more being pumped into the road and bridge fund in Minnesota. We still don’t have a long- term solution for transportation funding, but the next few years look incredible. North Dakota has also increased their spending on road and bridge projects so work there looks promising as well. Distribution and Mainline pipeline work are going well in our area, and Line 3 is on track to begin construction this winter. The southwest light rail project has started and will continue to kick into high gear this summer. A deal was just finalized in Duluth for Essentia Hospital to do an $800 million expansion of their campus. We helped them get infrastructure funding for this project. I’m happy to report there will be a Project Labor Agreement on the Essentia project as well. Public sector units are hiring across Minnesota, and the equipment shops are doing very well also. All aspects of our Union have a bright outlook this work season, it is a great time to be a 49er!
