Senate Report by Dan Sparks

In preparation for this year’s session, I spent a lot of time visiting communities across the district to speak with constituents, businesses and local officials about the 2014 legislative session.

During numerous trips to Albert Lea to meet with city officials, the Shell Rock Watershed District, Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce and others, a number of projects and priorities were identified as important to the city and region.

As your representative in the Senate, I worked hard through both public and private means to provide the needed state funding and legislative changes to make these priorities a reality. As we wrap up our work for this year, I am proud of what we accomplished and what we can now check off that list.

The outdoor heritage bill, which appropriates Legacy Amendment funds, includes additional funding for the Albert Lea Lake management and invasive species control structure. We had secured funding for this project in a past session. However, bids to complete the work were coming in much higher than anticipated and additional funds were necessary to move forward. The benefits of this project will be improved aquatic and waterfowl habitat, invasive species management, and improved desirable fish population.

The Legislature approved a second tax bill this session, which included direct property tax relief for homeowners, renters and homestead farms. This bill featured a number of local tax provisions. Among those was an extension of the Albert Lea sales tax. This sales tax was approved by local voters to raise $15 million for lake improvements. The law establishing this was set to expire but is coming up short of the fundraising goal. Changes in the tax bill will allow the tax to continue until that goal is met.

Of course, the biggest priority for the session was funding for the Fountain Lake project. I have been working in collaboration with all the stakeholders to get this project done for some time. I am excited to announce that we secured the full $7.5 million for the Fountain Lake project. It was very rewarding for me to see the project included in the final bill, and I am excited to see the positive impact on the tourism, economy and natural resources of Albert Lea.

The bonding bill also included funding for continued work on the Blazing Star Trail. This will be used for the trail extension from Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward.

Several of the statewide programs that often bring funds into our district were included, such as Local Roads and Bridges, Reinvest in Minnesota grants and capital maintenance funds for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant program also received and appropriation which is something the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce strongly supported.

I understand that the process of putting a bonding bill together can be frustrating. I can also assure you it can be quite frustrating from my prospective as well. Thankfully, where we end up is what is important.

I worked tirelessly negotiating with my colleagues and leadership on this project. I am thankful to have had a strong partner in Rep. Shannon Savick. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the work of the stakeholders and all those from the community who offered positive support of the project. It makes a difference.

All in all, for a non-budget year, this session delivered some sound progress for the state as a whole and specifically for Albert Lea. I am looking forward to getting back home and spending more time with my friends and family.

Over the interim I frequently attend events and visit with community leaders on both current issues and planning for future needs. If you have any questions or concerns please, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, is the state senator for District 27.