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Governor Dayton Announces Dates and Locations of Ten Water Quality Town Hall Meetings to Be Held Across Minnesota

7/28/2017 12:50:50 PM

First town hall to be held July 31 in Rochester
 
Minnesotans encouraged to participate and continue important conversations around improving the state’s water quality 25 percent by 2025 
 
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced the dates and locations of a series of Water Quality Town Hall meetings beginning in late July. The ten 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 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 6:00 p.m. No advance registration is necessary. A complete list of dates and locations is available online: https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/Townhalls
 
Rochester – Water Quality Town Hall
Monday, July 31, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Rochester Community and Technical College - Heintz Commons
1926 Collegeview Rd SE
 
Mankato – Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Centennial Student Union - 620 S Road
 
Marshall – Water Quality Town Hall
Thursday, August 17, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Southwest Minnesota State University Conference Center, 1501 State Street
 
Crookston – Water Quality Town Hall
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
University of Minnesota – Crookston
Bede Ballroom –Sargeant Student Center, 2900 University Ave.
 
St. Cloud – Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
St Cloud Community and Technical College Cafeteria, 1540 Northway Drive
 
Ely – Water Quality Town Hall
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Grand Ely Lodge, 400 North Pioneer Road
 
Bemidji – Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Bemidji High School- 2900 Division St W, Bemidji, MN 56601
 
Minneapolis – Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North
 
Burnsville – Water Quality Town Hall
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
Diamondhead Education, 200 W Burnsville Pkwy.
 
Stillwater – Water Quality Town Hall
Thursday, October 5, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 6:00 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 here: www.eqb.state.mn.us/25by25.
 
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 will be available at www.eqb.state.mn.us/25by25.
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