This week feels like summer has arrived—stay cool and enjoy all of the fun activities in our communities!
Great Lakes Commission
During my time as a Senator, I’ve been honored to serve on the Great Lakes Commission for several years, which consists of Commissioners that border the Great Lakes from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Quebec. This bi-national Commission helps its member states and provinces speak with a common voice by coordinating, analyzing, advising, communication, and advocating for shared priorities with the US Congress and federal agencies.
Our Semiannual meeting was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin where we spent time discussing resolutions, action items, and strategic planning for upcoming years. We took an amazing field trip around the Green Bay area looking at agricultural runoff treatment systems, conservation and habitat restoration activities and visited with a local farmer on rotational grazing. On Wednesday we had panel breakouts discussing various water resource issues impacting the Great Lakes, and Thursday was spent passing resolutions and action plans. We even got to experience a reception at Lambeau Field hosted by the Canadian Government. What a beautiful facility… but Go Vikings!
Grand Opening—Cuyuna Country State Recreations Area Sagamore… it was a pleasure celebrating the ribbon cutting opening of Sagamore Unit at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area this week. The Sagamore Unit features 15.1 miles of mountain bike trails, including 7.4 miles of adaptive trails for hand-bike and other assistive bikes and a 1.4-mile accessible walking trail. The Cuyuna Recreation Area is an incredible example of what a vision of economic development can become. I have been involved with this wonderful partnership of community, government, history, and leadership since the year 2000. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings—please check out Cuyuna.com and be amazed!
Minnesota IRRRB
The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) met in June and approved funding for economic development projects. The IRRRB approved $7.1 million in funding across a broad range of projects for city, county and township infrastructure, broadband, outdoor recreation, and higher education (details here). The projects are expected to increase the regional tax base, create permanent construction jobs, provide essential services and more. The IRRRB relies on taconite production tax for revenue… its annual budget is based on previously collected taconite production taxes. The goal is to ensure northeastern Minnesota remains a desirable place to live, work and raise families.
Princess Kay–Dairy Celebration in Baxter
It was great fun attending the Princess Kay Dairy Celebration at Culver’s… Dairy farmers & Culver’s in Baxter celebrated June Dairy Month with a cow-milking contest featuring area dignitaries and Princess Kay of the Milky Way this week. The public cheered on their favorite contestant and participated in a frozen custard eating contest. The event is sponsored by the Crow Wing County Dairy Association, Culver’s, Farm Bureau, and the Brainerd FFA.
Local Retirement
It was an honor celebrating Laine Larson this week—she is retiring from Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools. Laine’s great work began in 2016 and she successfully navigated the school through a global pandemic. Thank you, Laine, for your commitment to children, parents, and the Brainerd community.
Thank you for the meetings and events this month—Great Lakes Commission, MN IRRRB, Explore MN Tourism Council, Nisswa American Legion Memorial Day Celebration for Veterans, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Citizen Advisory.
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As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!