Dear Neighbors,
Stopping Asian Carp
This week in the Environment and Natural Resources Policy committee we heard about the DNR’s proposal to spend about $20 million using air bubbles to prevent Asian Carp from getting through the Ford Lock and Dam No. 1 on the Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis.
However, in 2012 the Legislature appropriated $7.5 million to install electric shock barriers in the lock to prevent carp from getting through. Now the DNR is telling us that the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) is “unlikely” to approve the legislative-directed project due to their concerns with it.
Our discussions last year with the DNR and ACOE resulted in the final decision to use electric shock barriers. The brand new introduction of using “air bubbles” is very frustrating due to the fact that we seem to be starting over!
If the carp get past the lock, they need only make it past the Anoka Dam to spread into lakes all throughout the Mississippi Basin. The negative impact that these fish could have on lakes, like Mille Lacs, is of great concern to me. The Asian Carp have all but destroyed game fishing in rivers and lakes where they have established populations.
We have heard in committee that the electric barriers are used worldwide and have achieved the desired results of stopping the spread of this invasive species with 100% effectiveness. In addition, no serious injuries or deaths to people have been reported.
The DNR’s proposed “bubble barrier” is a system where air bubbles are released into the water to keep the carp from getting past them. Last week we heard testimony that the bubbles are between 60% and 100% effective in stopping the carp. On top of that, the projected cost of the system is nearly $20 million.
Several of us in committee had tough questions for the DNR. When I asked them about the possibility that the ACOE would “likely” not approve the plan, I was told they did not have official word!
I cannot support this plan for two reasons. One: it does not provide the level of effectiveness that I feel is needed; and two: it needlessly raises the price tag by about $12 million.
The potential damage to lakes and the businesses and people that depend on them is a very serious matter. We need to find solutions and move forward as quickly as possible!
Click here to read an article by Don Davis that appeared in the Grand Forks Herald. It gives more information regarding this week’s committee hearing.
Rural Finance Authority
In the Jobs and Economic Development committee we heard from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Commissioner Jim Boerboom.
Dept. Commissioner Boerboom gave a presentation on the Rural Finance Authority (RFA), a program that has been around since the 1980s.
The RFA is designed to help young and new farmers get started by providing money to help with farm financing. The program is set up to work through local lenders to make 45% of a loan available at a rate that is about 3% lower than what local lending institutions charge.
There are some young and new farmers taking advantage of this program in Northwest Minnesota. Click here to learn more about the RFA.
OCHA
In the Jobs committee we also heard from Commissioner Ken Peterson of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
I inquired as to how business owners can request preemptive, walk-through consultations with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in order to prevent unannounced visits that result in fines for violations.
It is my opinion that regulating agencies, in this case OSHA, should be working with employers to help them come into compliance, rather than penalizing people for what I would consider innocent mistakes or minor infractions. The on-site consultations help business owners come into compliance with OSHA standards and will not result in fines even if the business is not fully up to speed.
Click here to learn more about OSHA’s on-site consultations.
Never hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about these issues or items related to state government. As your state representative, I am here to serve you!
Have a great weekend!
Dan