State Representative
John Tuma

ST. PAUL The House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee Tuesday unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Rep. John Tuma (R-Northfield), which will enhance the Cannon River watershed partnership, as well as provide state money for the future construction of the Mill Towns Trail, and provide a grant to assist local units of government to plan for the management of the Cannon River in their district.

"This bill is part of an effort to ensure the vitality of the Cannon River Valley, which could potentially bring all kinds of economic development to our part of the state," Tuma said. "This will be an important new chapter for the Cannon River, which has been neglected for far too long."

Tuma's legislation would benefit the Cannon River Valley in three important ways:

It would provide a $400,000 grant to the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, with the money to be used for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the environmental integrity of the Cannon River watershed, including: improving water quality; reducing soil erosion; planning for sustainable recreation use; and administering watershed programs.

It would provide a $350,000 grant to the Cannon River Link Trail Board. The money will be used for the acquisition of the Mills Town Trail between Dundas and Faribault, which will eventually connect the Cannon Valley Trail at Cannon Falls to the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail at Faribault.

It would provide $250,000 to establish a joint powers board by the counties of Steele, Rice, Goodhue, Dakota, LeSueur and Waseca, and all cities and towns in those counties within the Cannon River watershed. The board will be charged with preparing a comprehensive land use management and recreation plan for the Cannon River watershed.

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A number of local and watershed officials traveled to St. Paul Tuesday to show support for the Tuma-sponsored legislation. Allene Moesler, the executive director of the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, told the committee that improved communication between different local entities, and the public, is needed.

"There is a need for this type of planning across county lines," Moesler said. "The functions set up by this bill will act as a bridge between citizens, and the various government bodies that represent them."

David Doneux, representing the Mill Towns Trail Committee, said completion of the trail will be a great benefit to southern Minnesota. Projections show that 100,000 hikers, bikers, in- line skaters and other outdoor enthusiasts will use the trail yearly, many visiting from the nearby Twin Cities metro area. If that level of use holds, then sales tax generated at businesses along the trail would pay back the cost of construction in just 20 years. Tuma cited the Root River Trail in Lanesboro as the type of successful economic venture that can come from this kind of investment.

"Rep. Tuma's bill allows citizens to use this resource, while still preserving the natural integrity of the valley," Doneux said.

Also present to show support for the bill Tuesday were Northfield City Councilwoman Peg Prowe, and Jane McWilliams, the citizen chair of the Cannon River Watershed Partnerhip.

With the committee's approval, Tuma's bill now moves to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. Tuma thanked committee chair Rep. Dennis Ozment, R- Rosemount, and all committee members, for supporting the bill.

"I'm glad my colleagues saw the need for this legislation," Tuma said. "We're cleaning up and improving an important natural resource in our state, while at the same time creating positive recreational opportunities for our communities both along and on the waters of the historic Cannon River."

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