ST. PAUL, MN – Joined by environmental advocates, lawmakers,
and concerned Minnesotans for Water Action Day at the Minnesota State Capitol,
Governor Mark Dayton today announced a series of Water Quality Town Hall
meetings beginning in late July. The town halls will offer Minnesotans an
opportunity to discuss the water quality challenges facing their communities
and our state, learn from experts, and engage with policymakers. The town hall
meetings build on the momentum from Governor Dayton’s “25 by 25” Water Quality
goal proposal, announced earlier this year.
“All Minnesotans have a stake in water that’s safe for
drinking, swimming, and fishing,” said Governor Dayton. “These town hall
meetings will further the important conversations already happening across
Minnesota around water quality. Together we can develop strategies and
solutions that work for all of our communities.”
The State of Minnesota will host ten town hall meetings in
communities across the state from late July through early October. These
meetings are free to attend and open to the public.
In addition to attending the town halls, Minnesotans are
encouraged to host their own community meetings about water quality from June
through August. These Community Water Meetings offer an opportunity for cities,
schools, families, and friends to identify ways individuals can work at the
local level to move Minnesota towards the 25 by 25 goal. Individuals interested
in registering to hold their own meeting can find more information at www.eqb.state.mn.us/25by25.
Earlier this year, Governor Dayton announced a new goal to
improve Minnesota’s water quality 25 percent by 2025. Without additional
action, the quality of Minnesota’s waters is expected to improve only 6 to 8
percent by 2034. If the goal is approved by the Legislature, a series of town
halls and community meetings would engage local governments, farmers,
scientists, environmental groups, and business leaders in a collaborative
effort to address Minnesota’s water quality challenges.
Achieving a 25 percent improvement in water quality
statewide would require Minnesota to take aggressive, yet achievable action. It
also would help Minnesota meet existing commitments to reduce phosphorus 12
percent by 2025 and nitrogen 45 percent by 2040 in the Mississippi River.
Attend a Water Quality Town Hall This Summer or Fall
Town hall meetings have been scheduled in communities across
Minnesota. Additional scheduling details will be made available ahead of the
events.
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Rochester
– Water Quality Town Hall
Monday, July 31, 2017
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Marshall
– Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
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Mankato
– Water Quality Town Hall
Thursday, August 17, 2017
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Crookston
– Water Quality Town Hall
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
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St.
Cloud – Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
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·
Ely
– Water Quality Town Hall
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
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Bemidji
– Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
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Minneapolis
– Water Quality Town Hall
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
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Burnsville
– Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
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Maplewood
– Water Quality Town Hall
Thursday, October 5, 2017
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