Posted: 11/12/03

Decision on ATV rules due Nov. 18

A final decision on a proposed ordinance regulating all-terrain vehicle use in ditches along county roads is anticipated on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The Washington County Board conducted a public hearing on Oct. 21 and left the hearing record open until Oct. 28 to receive any additional written testimony. The public hearing was called to consider a county ordinance to ban all-terrain vehicles in the rights of way of all county roads and county state aid highways. The hearing was called after residents complained to Washington County officials about the damage that ATVs are causing to private driveways and ditch areas along private property. As a means to protect property and control erosion, the county requested legislative action on this issue in 2003. Minnesota Statute 84.92 was amended to allow local road authorities to ban or restrict ATV use in their rights of way. The countyís Department of Transportation and Physical Development prepared a draft ordinance banning ATV use in all county rights of way.

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