HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 04-26 Bill to address White Bear Lake challenges introduced WHITE BEAR PRESS4/27/2016 Bill to address White Bear Lake challenges introduced - WHITE BEAR PRESS
Bill to address White Bear Lake challenges
introduced
Posted: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 6:00 pm
ST. PAUL A bill that searches for answers to White Bear Lake's water issues was introduced in
the Minnesota Senate April 21 by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL -Maplewood).
The bipartisan bill co-authors include Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R -Lino Lakes) will study the
effectiveness of an augmentation system.
In a press release from his office, Sen. Wiger said the bill is a demonstration of all parties coming
together to work towards a sustainable remedy to the issues that have been plaguing the lake for a
decade.
The $3.63 million bill includes a $1.5 million appropriation to evaluate the long-term water supply
and sustainability in the north and east metro area. The bill also dictates that the study will examine
how water quality could be maintained under an augmentation system or any other potential impacts
to the ecology of White Bear Lake. The other major component of the bill requests $1.7 million to
perform augmentation planning and preliminary engineering tasks. This includes collecting soil
samples and determining the need for a tunnel.
"I'm really proud that so many different stakeholders in this issue have come together to support this
legislation. It's important to me that we find a sustainable and affordable solution to the White Bear
Lake water issues that also enjoys local support. These studies will give us the credible, scientific
evidence we need to proceed down a long-term path to finding a sustainable solution," said Sen.
Wiger.
White Bear Lake Mayor Jo Emerson said the bill addresses City Council concerns on water quality
and operating costs, not only for the augmentation, but also for potential surface water costs.
Vadnais Heights Mayor Marc Johannsen added: "The City Council and I want to thank Sen. Wiger
and local legislators for addressing the concerns of Vadnais Heights as it relates to the White Bear
Lake augmentation. We look forward to continuing to work with you as this legislation progresses to
ensure a positive outcome."
The bill is currently under consideration for inclusion in the Senate's Bonding Bill.
Submitted by Sen. Wiger s office
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