MEP joins funding effort for Lake Vermilion State Park and Central Corridor
Action to protect Minnesota's future needed before session end
(May 5, 2008) - Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP), the statewide coalition of more than 80 conservation and environmental organizations, today joined efforts to restore funding for the Central Corridor light rail line and to create Lake Vermilion State Park.
The executive committee of MEP today voted to expand its 2008 legislative priorities to include $70 million in bonding funds needed for the Central Corridor transit line linking Minneapolis and Saint Paul and to provide sufficient funds to purchase lands to establish Lake Vermilion State Park in northeastern Minnesota. Funding for both the Central Corridor and Lake Vermilion State Park projects was included in earlier versions of the bonding bill, but the Central Corridor funding was line-item vetoed earlier this session, and Lake Vermilion State Park funding never made it out of conference committee.
"It is time to set aside our differences and look at our common goals," said MEP's Executive Director Steve Morse. "Minnesotans value our lakes, rivers and streams, clean air and natural areas. The Central Corridor and Lake Vermilion State Park are two projects crucial to protecting Minnesota's future, our economy and our way of life. By funding these signature projects the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Pawlenty will contribute to a proud legacy to pass on to our children and grandchildren."
MEP today sent letters to Gov. Pawlenty and members of the Minnesota Legislature urging support of Central Corridor and Lake Vermilion State Park. The Legislature is expected to act on a supplemental bonding bill before the end of the week.
"We urge you to look beyond today's differences and fund the Central Corridor and Lake Vermilion State Park projects. Current and future generations will look back with gratitude for your foresight today," the letter stated.
"Our region deserves a transit system that meets our needs, both today and in the future," said Lea Schuster, Executive Director of Transit for Livable Communities. "With one million new people living in Minnesota by 2030, residents desperately need alternatives to rising gas prices and sitting in traffic. The Central Corridor light rail line is a vital step in creating those alternatives and moving toward a region-wide transit system."
Schuster noted that every year Minnesota delays action on the Central Corridor, the costs rise by $40 million. In addition, other regions join the competition for federal matching funds, which are necessary to build the Central Corridor.
Members of the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota stressed that if funds are not secured to purchase the undeveloped lands along Lake Vermilion for a state park, United States Steel, the property owner, plans to build a development with 150 luxury homes. The proposed Lake Vermilion State Park, along with the adjacent Soudan Underground Mine State Park, would provide Minnesotans with access to more than 10 miles of recreational shoreline, 40,000 acres of water, 365 islands and 3,700 acres of land.
"Minnesotans have a long and rich history of doing the right thing for our Great Outdoors. Each one of our 72 state parks and recreation areas is a living legacy connecting past generations to current generations. With more than 8 million people already using Minnesota's state parks each year, creating this park now is a wise investment in our future," said Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota President Tim Farrell.
For more information on Minnesota Environmental Partnership's efforts to protect Minnesota's lakes, lands and air, go to www.mepartnership.org.