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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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Anzelc Derides DNR’s Lack of Action on Canisteo Mine Pit
State Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL – Balsam Township) sent a stern letter this week to Kent Lokkesmoe, Director of DNR Waters, after Lokkesmoe signaled another construction season will pass with no action being taken on the Canisteo Mine Pit. It has been almost two years since the Minnesota Legislature authorized $3.5 million during the 2008 session to draw down the Canisteo Mine Pit, which continues to rise, jeopardizing the homes and families of the people of Bovey.
Recently, David Lotti, Chair of the Western Mesabi Mine Planning Board, sent an application to the DNR to begin permanently draining the Canisteo Pit. Lokkesmoe responded to Lotti, saying that more time was needed to make a decision. Anzelc responded to Lokkesmoe in a letter, saying it was “unconscionable" that the DNR needed more time to mull this over.
“The people of Bovey continue to have leaky basements. They continue to worry the Pit will flood and wipe out their home, yet the DNR and the Pawlenty Administration continues to do nothing,” said Anzelc. “The good people of Northern Minnesota expect state government to serve them and respond to crises in a timely manner. The lack of urgency is beyond troubling.”
Anzelc lamented the fact that another construction season has passed without a single thimble of water being withdrawn from the pit, which is rising.
“Take away for a moment the safety concern, the DNR’s stone walling is preventing the creation of good jobs for Minnesota workers who are struggling in these tough times,” said Anzelc. “How can they let two construction seasons go by without any action on an urgent project that will create good paying jobs for Minnesota workers?”
Anzelc concluded his letter to Lokkesmoe saying, “The public danger of the pit water continues, the people of Bovey suffer, and the people’s lack of confidence in your Department and the Administration grows.”
The Minnesota House of Representatives will expect direct answers from the DNR on this issue during the 2010 session.
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