I would like to express my gratitude to Rep. Shannon Savick and Sen. Dan Sparks for their hard work and dedication this legislative session. Because of their determination they were successful in receiving the full amount requested for the cleanup of Fountain Lake.

Having the funds included in the capital investment bill that was signed into law shows they understood and were able to effectively express to the members of the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton the importance of this project to the citizens of Albert Lea and Freeborn County.

The dredging of Fountain Lake will greatly improve the water quality of Fountain Lake. We should also see more improvement in water quality in Albert Lea Lake as well. With improved water quality there will be more opportunities for recreational use on our lakes. Canoeing, camping, kayaking, boating, fishing, walking and watching the wildlife will add to the quality of life we currently enjoy.

I was happy to see that Shannon and Dan were able to receive more funds through the Legacy Amendment to help close the funding gap for the cost of replacement of the Shell Rock River dam and installation of an invasive species barrier. The barrier will be a crucial tool in the fight to keep invasive species such as Asian carp from entering Albert Lea, Fountain and Pickerel Lakes.

It was good to see more funding included for the Blazing Star Trail. This funding will go to connect the trail from the Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward and has been in the works for a while now and, hopefully, it will come to reality soon. With Freeborn County working to acquire the abandoned Union Pacific corridor, it is the vision that sometime in the future bike and walking enthusiasts will be able to go from Hartland through Albert Lea to Hayward.

I would also like to thank everyone who traveled to St. Paul to visit with the members of the Legislature. To those that sent letters, emails messages or made phone calls in support of our local projects. When we all work together of the common good, great things can be achieved.

 

Mike Lee

Freeborn County
commissioner

5th District 

Albert Lea