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State Representative Paul Rosenthal
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7803
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
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WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT BILL PASSES HOUSE - Bill authored by Rosenthal aims to improve water quality of Minnesota lakes
In an overwhelming show of bipartisan support, a bill to authorize temporary draw downs of lake levels to improve water quality overwhelmingly passed the Minnesota House today. On a vote of 120 to 12, the legislation, authored by State Representative Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) would make it easier for local officials to temporarily lower lake water levels by requiring them to secure approval of three-quarters of lake front property owners before proceeding with the drawdown.
“Living by the lake is a hallmark of Minnesota, and preserving them - not only for lakeside homeowners, but for everyone who enjoys them - is essential to our quality of life," said Rep. Rosenthal. “This bill is a common-sense compromise that helps preserve the integrity of our lakes and still gives homeowners a voice in how and when that’s done.”
When a public lake becomes impaired with algae or other invasive weeds, local governments are restricted in their efforts to correct the problem under current law. The proposed legislation would make it easier for local governments to perform temporary draw downs by reducing from 100 percent to 75 percent the number of votes required by affected property owners. Originally written to require local officials to obtain the permission from 60 percent of lake front property owners, the bill was amended to the 75 percent threshold in order to draw broader support. The compromise eased concerns of homeowners and city officials who were concerned that the lower threshold might have allowed one large lakeshore property owner to vote against the objections of many smaller property owners.
Temporary drawdown of lake water levels are used to eliminate plant and invasive species overgrowth in shallow lakes without having to use toxic chemicals and pesticides. In Bloomington, draw downs have been used to improve the water quality of Anderson Lake, which has been plagued by curlyleaf pondweed and other invasive species. City officials in other metro municipalities are planning draw downs this fall to improve water quality.
“I’m pleased that the first bill I sponsored is one that goes to the very heart of what it means to live in Minnesota. This is the Land of 10,000 Lakes after all, and we want to be able to enjoy them for years to come,” said Rosenthal. “This legislation is the result of common-sense compromise that strikes a good balance between homeowner’s rights and our responsibility to protect one of Minnesota’s most valuable natural resources – our lakes.”
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