ST. PAUL, MN – A series of ten Water Quality Town Hall
meetings will begin on Monday, July 27, 2017 in Rochester. Governor Mark Dayton
and his administration have organized the ten town halls to 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 continue Governor Dayton’s efforts to protect and preserve Minnesota
waters, including is “25 by 25” Water Quality 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 town hall meetings will be attended by key members of
Governor Dayton’s Cabinet who want to hear from Minnesotans about ways to
improve the state’s water quality at the local level.
Attend a Water Quality
Town Hall This Summer or Fall
Ten town hall meetings have been scheduled in communities
across Minnesota. These town hall meetings are free to attend and open to the
public. Each town hall meeting will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with registration
beginning at 5:30 p.m. A complete list of dates and locations is available on the Environmental
Quality Board website. RSVP for an event by visiting the Governor and Lt.
Governor’s Facebook page. No advance registration is necessary.
Monday, July 31, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Rochester Community and Technical College - Heintz Commons
1926 Collegeview Rd SE
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Centennial Student Union - 620 S Road
Thursday, August 17, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Southwest Minnesota State University Conference Center,
1501 State Street
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
University of Minnesota – Crookston
Bede Ballroom –Sargeant Student Center, 2900 University
Ave.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
St Cloud Community and Technical College Cafeteria, 1540
Northway Drive
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Grand Ely Lodge, 400 North Pioneer Road
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Bemidji State University
American Indian Resource Center,
1500 Birchmont Dr. NE
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Diamondhead Education, 200 W Burnsville Pkwy.
Thursday, October 5, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Stillwater High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd N.
Community
Water Meetings
In addition to attending the town hall meetings,
Minnesotans are encouraged to host their own community meetings about water
quality from July 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 community water
meeting can find more information on the
Environmental Quality Board website.
25 By 2025 Water
Quality Goal
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.
Additional information can be found on the
Environmental Quality Board website.
