Minnesotans encouraged to participate in town hall meetings and continue important conversations around improving the state’s water quality 25 percent by 2025
Town hall will be held at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on September 5
Town hall will be held at St. Cloud Community and Technical College on September 6
ST. PAUL, MN – Water Quality Town Hall meetings will continue next week with town hall meetings in Crookston on Tuesday, September 5, and in St. Cloud on Wednesday, September 6. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss the water quality challenges facing our 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 his “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.”
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 are attending the town hall meetings.
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 High School- 2900 Division St W, Bemidji, MN 56601
Wednesday, September 7, 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.