Hello from the State Capitol,
As you know, southwestern Minnesota has seen significant improvements over the years towards securing safe and reliable sources of drinking water, but issues remain. This is why I’m sponsoring a number of bills that will improve water quality in our region.
No one ever talks about water being a big campaign issue, yet it is critical for people in southwestern Minnesota. In the land of 10,000 lakes, those of us in the corner of the state don’t always have the most reliable access to quality and safe drinking water.
I recently signed onto a bipartisan proposal that would leverage federal dollars to help replace lead water pipes throughout the state. Many of our communities continue to utilize Depression-era infrastructure and securing this funding would allow these cities to modernize how they deliver clean drinking water to their residents.
I’m also sponsoring several bonding bills that address water systems in southwestern Minnesota. They include individual plans that would assist the City of Tyler, the Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System, as well as the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, which is seeking to expand and establish a second connection.
We need to do what we can to have a safe and reliable source of water throughout the region. I’m bringing these plans forward because it’s one of the most vital functions our government should be providing.
Have a good weekend,
Joe