Legislative Update - October 24, 2019

Dear neighbors, 

I hope you’ve been enjoying the changing colors and weather! You may be interested in checking out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fall color finder to find the best spots for leaf viewing.

House Committee Visits South St. Paul and West St. Paul

I enjoyed welcoming the House Capital Investment Committee to South St. Paul and West St. Paul earlier this week! The committee, of which I’m a member, is visiting communities throughout the state to learn more about local infrastructure needs.

During our visit to South St. Paul, we discussed utility upgrades. The City of South St. Paul is currently redesigning the Concord Street corridor, with construction scheduled to begin in 2021. That means there’s an opportunity to install a sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer improvements during the reconstruction. More information about the Concord Street Project is available here. 

We also toured Vandalia Glassworks during our time in South St. Paul.

We toured a lift station in West St. Paul. Lift stations are a key piece of wastewater management because they move waste and sewage from one elevation to another. Several of the city’s stations need to be upgraded, and others will require replacement. We also discussed wastewater collection systems that reduce inflow and infiltration to sewer systems.

I’ll continue working with elected officials in our area and at the Legislature to try and make these plans a reality.

Pumpkin Composting

Make sure that your pumpkins stay out of the landfill! The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is sponsoring a pumpkin composting event. Community members will be able to drop off pumpkins – as long as they’re free of paint and candle wax – and take a ride on a vintage fire truck.

When: Saturday, November 2 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Wakota Federal Credit Union, 1151 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul, MN 55075

Community Conversation on Mental Health

If you’re interested in discussing mental health, disability, and how we can foster acceptance and inclusion, please join fellow community members at an event designed to encourage conversations between neighbors. This upcoming event will include a panel discussion with mental health professionals, county staff, law enforcement, Youth Advisory Council members, and others.

When: Wednesday, November 6 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Central Square Community Center, 100 7^th Ave. N., South St. Paul, MN 55075

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with feedback or questions or if I can be of assistance.

Sincerely, 

Rick Hansen
State Representative