Water Quality Town Hall Meetings – Minnesotans encouraged to participate, continue important conversations

ST. PAUL — 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 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.

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.

Additional information will be available at www.eqb.state.mn.us/25by25.

— Office of Governor Mark Dayton & Lt. Governor Tina Smith