Dear Neighbor,
The DNR will host a public meeting to discuss a "Negative Impacts to Surface Waters" program 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 26 at Minnetonka City Hall (14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345).
According to the DNR, the purpose of the meeting will be to:
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Orient stakeholders to the project and the people.
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Develop a shared understanding of the charge from the Legislature.
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Hear stakeholder perspectives and questions about the project and preferences for future meetings and engagement opportunities.
Even though this meeting is in Minnetonka, the issues on the agenda are relevant in our district. I encourage people from our area to attend and learn more, especially if you have questions to ask – or personal experiences to relate – pertaining to the DNR's handling of water issues.
Again, it is a public meeting and everyone is welcome to attend, even if you were not one of the relatively select few to receive an invitation.
Visiting local metal manufacturing businesses
It was interesting to learn more about two area metal manufacturing businesses during tours of their facilities Thursday. Sen. Fischbach and I both visited Midsota Manufacturing in Avon and Louis Industries in Paynesville.
A common thread between the two businesses is they often have a difficult time finding reliable employees. These companies are happy to take a hard worker and teach them the skills they need to work a job, but positive drug tests and inconsistent attendance add to the challenge. As for the development of worker skills, it would be helpful if we would bring back industrial arts/technology classes as higher priorities in our high schools and tech schools. Also, modern technology like robotics and laser welding should be a focus in those classes instead of the antiquated techniques often being taught.
Thank you to the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association for arranging this tour and inviting us to attend.
Broadband grants available
I encourage area cities, counties, businesses, non-profits, and other eligible applicants to apply for a grant to continue the expansion of Minnesota's broadband infrastructure.
The grants are available as a part of a $10.58 million Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program approved by the Legislature and enacted this year. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 15.
Eligible applicants include incorporated businesses or partnerships, political subdivisions, Indian tribes, Minnesota non-profits, cooperative associations and limited liability corporations.
Broadband projects must be located in unserved or underserved areas. Details regarding program qualifications and application materials can be found at this link.
Parts of our region lack the quality of Internet access citizens and businesses elsewhere have come to expect. We heard at Louis Industries how a lack of reliable Internet service has been an issue for them. This spotty service puts us at a huge disadvantage in a number of ways, so it would be good to see some grant applicants in our area receive awards.
Let me know if you would like assistance on this, including a letter of support, by calling 651-296-4373 or by emailing rep.jeff.howe@house.mn.
Good luck,
Jeff