Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dale Lueck (R)

Back to profile

Legislative update

Friday, July 16, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Busy week with Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) business. We heard 35 of the 99 projects that were scored for further review. The projects were selected from a total of 220 proposals that were submitted for possible funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).

I serve as one of a 17-member commission that reviews and makes recommendations to the legislature on funding conservation related projects with proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery. The commission consists of five Senators, five Representatives, five citizens appointed by the governor, one citizen appointed by the Senate, and one citizen appointed by the House.

The 99 proposals represent approximately $106 million in potential conservation related investments. The commission will continue to review presentations through July. We expect to make final selections later in August. As we work through the summer we will also be reviewing and approving specific work plans for the previous two years of LCCMR proposals that were approved by the legislature in the most recent legislative session.

For LCCMR meeting schedules and video access to the online presentations visit this link.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently announced awards totaling $95,000 to combat noxious weeds. Twenty projects are being funded though the 2021 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant program. I was pleased see that Hill City received $3,100 for buckthorn control. Project proposals were awarded up to $5,000 to be spent in support of local activity.

The funds are awarded to cities, counties, townships, and tribal governments to be used to manage noxious weeds. Noxious weeds have the potential to be harmful to human or animal health, and the environment. There are currently 48 plants on Minnesota’s Noxious Weed List.

The 2021 award cycle is complete, however the program will be available again in 2022. Click here for more info.

Earlier today, I visited with the Mille Lacs Band Tribal Government leadership. Loren Larson, mayor of Garrison, participated in the visit. We discussed a wide range of subjects including an overview of the city of Garrison’s efforts to ensure that immediate area at the public access is well maintained, providing a well-kept positive first impression for those that visit our area.

This is an excellent opportunity to work together locally to ensure we take good care of the “Big Lake.” Enjoy the warm weather, a bit of rain would be nice!

Sincerely,

Dale