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| Date: | March 15, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR KRUSE AUTHORS BILL AUTHORIZING COON RAPIDS DAM REPAIR AND DESIGN IMPROVEMENT PLANNING |
St. Paul – Senator Benjamin Kruse’s legislation (S.F. 759) to secure resources for the planning stages of the Coon Rapids Dam repair project passed out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Tuesday by unanimous voice vote. The bill now moves to the Senate Committee on State Government and Innovations. The Coon Rapids Dam, once refurbished, would be used to control the expansion of invasive species like Asian carp with an estimated 99.9% proficiency and potentially be used as a hydropower generator in the future. Senate File 759 would authorize a commission and appropriate money from the environment and natural resources trust fund for the design of improvements to the Coon Rapids Dam.
Senator Kruse is the chief author of the bill and is joined by co-authors Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), Senator Pam Wolf (R-Blaine) and Senator Mike Jungbauer (R-East Bethel). Representative Brandon Petersen (R-Andover) will be carrying the companion bill in the State House.
“As a result of Minnesota’s beautiful lakes and rivers, we are blessed with thriving recreational and fishing industries. It is estimated that these industries account for $4 billion of Minnesota’s state revenue -- revenue that could be in jeopardy if this dam is not repaired. I made a commitment to voters to explore possible repair options quickly and in a fiscally responsible manner. I believe tapping environment and natural resource trust funds is appropriate and accomplishes this goal. My bill appropriates necessary funds to bring experts together to research and design the best way to repair our dam,” said Senator Kruse. “The taxpayer is always at the forefront of my mind and this bill gives us the resources to do our homework and determine the most cost effective plan before beginning construction.”
Senator Kruse was elected to his first term in November 2010. He serves Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids. Senator Kruse can be reached at: 651-296-4154 (office) or sen.benjamin.kruse@senate.mn.
