Dear Neighbor,
Before we get into this week’s legislative notes, I urge people to be careful during these frigid temps forecast for the weekend. Please check on people who may be vulnerable to the cold and also keep an eye on pets. Thank you to farmers who will be taking extra care to ensure their livestock have access to water and feed.
On another cold-weather note, there is still assistance available to income eligible households (both owners and renters) for home heating bills and furnace repairs. The state’s Energy Assistance Program can help by providing financial assistance, such as:
- To pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection
- To purchase fuel for delivery in emergencies
- To repair or replace homeowners’ malfunctioning furnaces
The application period is open until May 31 this year and you can find more information and links to apply at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.
As for news from the House, I mentioned in a recent email that Gov. Walz is seeking to adopt California’s mandatory auto-emission standards on vehicles sold in Minnesota. There are a great number of concerns over adopting these regulations and it also is concerning the governor looking to do this all on his own, through the administrative rule-making process.
People seem to be not only surprised to hear this development, but many are somewhat in the dark on how they can provide input on this issue since the proposal will not be making its way through the usual legislative hearing process.
I agree an issue this important deserves the full transparency and input a full series of legislative hearings provide. But, since those are not happening, the best way people can participate in this process is by attending virtual meetings the MPCA is conducting and/or filing electronic comments for the record.
The MPCA has information sessions scheduled for 3 p.m. on both Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 and you can click here for more information. Also, prior to adopting the new rules, there is a public comment period running through March 15. People can learn more or submit their comments here.
On a final note, I want to pass along news that four internet projects in our area recently received approval for funding from the state’s Border to Border Broadband Program. In the past two-year funding cycle, the Legislature appropriated $40 million to help local providers build out their fiber optic systems.
The biggest grant in District 12B went to Runestone Telecom for a project they submitted for the Villard and Lake Amelia areas of Pope County. Total cost of the project is estimated at just over $4 million, with the Border to Border grant coming in at $1.46 million.
Gardonville was awarded two grants in Douglas County. They will receive $692,000 for the Hazel Hill Road project, which has an estimated total cost of $1.7 million. Another $90,000 was awarded to them for a project on Town Hall Road in LaGrand Township that has a total cost of $226,000.
Arvig was the other recipient in our area. Their project, which includes a fiber extension in the Lake Osakis and Sauk Lake areas, was awarded a grant for $486,000. Total cost is estimated at $1.4 million.
Look for more news from the House soon. Until then, your input is welcome and, again, stay warm.
Sincerely,
Paul