SF 2206

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/30/2012 08:53am

A resolution
memorializing the President of the United States and Congress to take actions to
protect Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams from threats due to invasive Asian carp.

WHEREAS, Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes and almost 70,000 miles of rivers and
streams that are interconnected; and

WHEREAS, sport fishing in Minnesota is estimated to support 43,000 Minnesota jobs, to
generate $2,800,000,000 annually in direct retail expenditures, and to have an economic impact
exceeding $4,700,000,000 per year; and

WHEREAS, recent analysis has found DNA from Asian carp in major rivers in Minnesota;
and

WHEREAS, Asian carp in Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams would threaten
Minnesota's extensive aquatic ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, the presence of Asian carp would be devastating to sport fishing and tourism
in the state; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it urges the President
and the Congress of the United States to direct the United States Army Corps of Engineers
to expedite permits and other review documents required to construct effective fish deterrent
systems in and around Upper Saint Anthony Lock and Dam, and Lock and Dam Numbers 1, 2,
and 19 during 2012.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Congress is urged to appropriate federal money
to fund installation of deterrents in Lock Number 19 and to match Minnesota funds in placing
deterrents in and around the other three locks.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Congress is urged to appropriate $10,000,000 to
fund research efforts coordinated between federal, educational, and private research facilities to
stop and control Asian carp over the long term.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Congress is urged to appropriate funding to
implement the National Asian Carp Plan and provide authority for the National Asian Carp
Director to coordinate all federal efforts to control Asian carp.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is
directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States,
the President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United
States House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.