Dayton administration asked for $15.4M for Mille Lacs aid
Published 9:49 am Wednesday, August 19, 2015
ST. PAUL — Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration was seeking $15 million for business loans and $400,000 in tourism marketing for the Lake Mille Lacs region in special session action plan to deal with fallout from the abrupt walleye fishing suspension.
Dayton said Tuesday that talks about an emergency package appear to have fizzled amid tepid response from the Legislature. GOP lawmakers blamed Dayton for not laying out a clear plan.
But his administration circulated draft bill language to legislative leaders Monday that included no-interest loans to resorts, sporting-goods stores, restaurants and other businesses experiencing a downturn in revenue since the early-August halt of walleye fishing.
Each business would have qualified for up to $100,000.
The proposal also called for property tax abatements. And it would have launched an enhanced state tourism promotion plan.