Dear Neighbor,
Greetings as we put summer behind us and start turning our attention toward next week’s official arrival of fall. Personally, that means it’s time to start winding down the resort for another season.
Preparation for the 2018 House session already is beginning, so my schedule will remain busy. I was in St. Paul for meetings on Wednesday and continue visiting with people back at home in District 5A. The fall will allow me even more time to talk with people in our area to see what’s on their mind and hash out any number of issues.
The biggest news from St. Paul this week is the Minnesota Department of Commerce testified to the Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed Line 3 pipeline replacement project. Approval of a certificate of need is necessary for work to proceed, but Commerce officials indicated to the PUC that Enbridge “has not established a need for the proposed project” in northern Minnesota.
Here is a link to the full press release from Commerce.
This is not the last word on the Line 3 proposal before the PUC is expected to make a final decision on the certificate of need this spring. A public comment period will take this fall, including a series of open meetings. Bemidji will host two such hearings on Oct. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Sanford Center (1111 Event Center Drive).
If you are unable to attend a meeting in person, the PUC also welcomes comments to be submitted online. Click here for an online comment form, a full meetings schedule and other public information regarding the Line 3 proposal.
I urge area citizens to participate in the process, especially since this is an issue that directly impacts our region in a number of ways. The more input the better, since it will help decide a course of action.
Until next time,
Matt