Make a mess, clean it up

Star Tribune Sun, 17 Feb 2008 03:37:01 GMT
East metro settles on top bonding priorities

Bike trails to pollution control to high-speed transit: Communities get in line to ask the Legislature for funds. ... Pollution control is high on the list in Washington County. Lake Elmo, Oakdale and Woodbury are all watching to see whether a proposal to clean up the Washington County Landfill will be approved. The proposal, which would be funded by the state and 3M, is designed to prevent pollutants from 3M buried in the landfill from leaching into groundwater. "Our concern is our ability to provide safe and clean drinking water to our [residents],'' said Woodbury city administrator Clint Gridley. "Our fear is that it will spread and contaminate our water wells.'' Hausman said there's support in the Legislature for cleaning up the landfill. But there's also questions about who should pay for it. "The question is, what is the proper role of private industry in cleaning up its own pollution versus the role of the state?'' she asked.

From a sidebar:

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR EAST METRO

Falcon Heights: Construction of a new Bell Museum of Natural History at the U of M's east campus in the city.

Lake Elmo, Oakdale, Woodbury: Cleanup of 3M chemicals at the Washington County landfill in Lake Elmo

Lino Lakes: A 4.5 mile biking and hiking trail in the Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Lino Lakes.

Little Canada, Maplewood: Reconstruction of the Rice Street bridge over Hwy. 36.

Roseville: Improvements at the John Rose Oval skating rink.

Stillwater: Flood control along the banks of the St. Croix River along its riverfront walking paths.

St. Paul/Ramsey County: Funding for the Central Corridor light rail, renovation of the Union Depot and increases in Local Government Aid.

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