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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
Press/News Releases
REP. WARD’S LEGISLATION TO HALT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PASSES MINNESOTA HOUSE
(ST. PAUL) — Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 1097, the Environment Omnibus Policy bill. Rep. Ward’s bill to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species was incorporated into the larger omnibus bill. Rep. Ward voted for the final passage of the overall bill.
Invasive aquatics, including such species as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas, have been discovered in more than 1,000 lakes and rivers around Minnesota, including waterways in District 12A. They can damage the state’s water-based recreation and tourism economy, affect water quality and navigation, destroy fish habitats, drive out important native species, and impede beach access.
“The aquatic invasive species portion of this bill has received broad bipartisan support, and I’m pleased it passed today," Rep. Ward said. “By preventing the spread of these invasive species we can protect our lakes, streams, and rivers, and preserve our natural resources for our future generations.”
The language incorporated from Rep. Ward’s bill would authorize the DNR to conduct more thorough watercraft inspections and enforcement, enforce penalties for violations, and require training and permitting for lake service providers. It would also streamline the process of obtaining permits for large-scale control of invasive aquatic plants.
“Protecting our natural resources also means protecting our tourism industry, which is vital to the economy of Greater Minnesota,” Rep. Ward said. “I’m committed to protecting tourism and the good-paying jobs it helps create for the people living in our district and throughout Minnesota.
Rep. Ward’s suggestion to name the walking and biking bridge over Excelsior Road the Terry McGaughey Memorial Bridge was incorporated into an author’s amendment.
“I’ve been a long-time supporter of honoring our local godfather of the Paul Bunyan Trail, Terry McGaughey,” Rep. Ward said. “Terry worked for 25 years to make the Paul Bunyan Trail a reality, and this recognition is well deserved.”
On Wednesday May 11, Rep. Ward made a motion to suspend the Rules of the House and pass the Aquatic Invasive Species bill apart from any controversial provisions in the Omnibus Environment Policy Bill. The motion failed. Today, Rep. Ward offered to pass the Aquatic Invasive Species bill alone. This amendment was also defeated by the Republican majority.
“I wanted to pass the Aquatic Invasive Species bill separate from other aspects of the broader policy bill that might be considered controversial,” Rep. Ward added. “I believe that dealing with aquatic invasive species is too important to be used in political games, especially with the fishing opener right around the corner.”
The Environment Omnibus Policy bill will go to conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions before being sent to Governor Dayton.
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- 2013 Legislative Session Preview - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 8:39AM)
- Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward Sworn-In as Legislative Session Starts - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 2:39PM)
- Rep. John Ward Elected Assistant Majority Leader and Selected to Serve as Vice Chair of Capital Investment Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-19 00:00:00)
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