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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
USE LOTTERY FUNDS TO ENACT CLEAN WATER LEGACY ACT
By Joyce Peppin
State Representative, District 32A
Did you know that Minnesota has the most surface waters of all 48 contiguous states, yet barely 8 percent of our river miles and 14 percent of our lakes have been tested for pollution problems? Of those tested, 40 percent are polluted with human and animal waste, algae from phosphorus, fertilizers and mercury. Our waterways -- arguably the state's most valuable resource -- are not nearly as safe and clean as they should be.
Over the last two years, lawmakers have been working to pass the Minnesota Clean Water Legacy Act. The legislation is designed to generate about $80 million a year to protect, restore and preserve the quality of Minnesota's surface waters. But agreeing on a funding source has been a problem.
Initially, funding for the comprehensive anti-pollution proposal would have come from a $36 per year fee on Minnesota homes. Businesses would be charged from $100 to $600 a year dependent on how much water they use. But recently, legislation has been proposed to fund the Act with money from the state’s lottery-funded Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The trust fund receives 40 percent of lottery net proceeds ($28 million in 2005). Money from the trust fund is used to pay for environmental projects statewide. Using it to fund the Clean Water Legacy Act just makes sense.
If Minnesota does not implement the Clean Water Legacy Act, the state will likely be denied federal permits that are needed for construction and expansion of waste water treatment plants. We’re already seen this happen in Annandale and Maple Lake. It will have a huge negative impact on our state's economic development and growth, affecting new housing, commercial and industrial development and even public projects such as schools.
I believe the legislation has broad support in both the House and Senate. Not only is it an environmental bill, it's an economic development initiative as well. Preserving the water quality of lakes and streams enhances our quality of life and our ability to improve the state's economy.
Evaluating our surface water quality and restoring polluted lakes and steams is long overdue. The Clean Water Legacy Act will truly help Minnesota move ahead with improving water quality.
Rep. Peppin represents District 32A, which includes the communities of Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Hanover, Rogers, Hassan Township, and southwestern Maple Grove. Peppin invites anyone to share their questions or comments about state government with her. She may be reached by email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn; by phone at (651) 296-7806; or by U.S. Mail at 411 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: NW SUBURBAN FAMILIES WILL BE HIT HARD UNDER DAYTON AND DFL BUDGET - (Posted: May 28 2013 4:35PM)
- Rep. Peppin’s bill would lessen unfair fiscal disparities tax burden on Rogers - (Posted: Apr 3 2013 9:36AM)
- PEPPIN REPORT: FEBRUARY FORECAST REVEALS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: Feb 28 2013 12:00AM)
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