4.4 SR 06-17-2024City of
Elk -
River
To
City Council
Meeting Date
June 17, 2024
Item Description
Resolution 24-32 Supporting the Environmental and
Natural Resources Trust Fund
Request for Action
Item Number
4.4
Prepared By
Suzanne Fischer, Environmental Services and Special
Projects Director
Reviewed by
Suzanne Fischer
Cal Portner
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, Resolution 24-32 supporting the continued use of State Lottery proceeds for
environmental benefit.
Background/Discussion
Over 30 years ago, 77% of Minnesotans voted in favor of using a portion of state lottery proceeds to build the
Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
Since then, over $800 million has been invested to help restore and protect our water, land, and wildlife.
Cities across the state have benefitted from these funds through a variety of projects.
In November, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to vote to continue this policy for another 25 years,
keeping state lottery funds at work supporting clean lakes, healthy forests, and outdoor recreation. Without
passage of the constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot, the ENRTF will lose its only source of income.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Responsible for every dollar - good stewards
Attachments
1. 4.7 Action -Requested June 17.2024
2. 4.7 ENRTF Resolution 6.2024
The Elk River Vision
A avelcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community p p W E R E U A Y
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
372
Request for Action
To
Item Number
Mayor and City Council
4.7
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Consent AgendaJune
17, 2024
Suzanne Fischer, Env. Services/ Special Projects Director
Item Description
Reviewed by
Policy supporting partial use of State Lottery proceeds
Cal Portner, City Administrator
for the Environmental & Natural Resources Trust
Reviewed by
Fund (ENRTF).
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, a resolution supporting the continued use of State Lottery proceeds for environmental
benefit.
Background/Discussion
Over 30 years ago, 77% of Minnesotans voted in favor of using a portion of State Lottery proceeds to build
the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Since then, over $800 million has been invested to
help restore and protect our water, land, and wildlife. Cities across the state have benefitted from these funds
through a variety of projects.
In November, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to vote to continue this policy for another 25 years, keeping
state lottery funds at work supporting clean lakes, healthy forests, and outdoor recreation. Without passage of the
constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot, the ENRTF will lose its only source of income.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Responsible for every dollar — good stewards.
Attachments
■ Resolution 2024-XX
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
PI1EIEI AY
NATUREE
Updated.• January 2023
Page 40 of 372
City of Elk River
City Council
Resolution 24-32
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Endorsing the
Constitutional Amendment to Reauthorize the Dedication of State
Lottery Proceeds to the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust
Fund.
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature voted to include the following
question on the November 5th, 2024 primary election ballot, "Shall the Minnesota
Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes,
rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand
access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state -operated lottery
to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these
purposes?"
WHEREAS, Minnesota has benefited greatly from the Environment and Natural Resources
Trust Fund, which, since being approved by voters in 1991, has provided over $800 million to
more than 1,700 projects around the state "for the public purpose of protection, conservation,
preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural
resources."
WHEREAS, the City of Elk River acknowledges that the Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund has been a crucial investment that has protected ecosystems, aided local
communities, promoted outdoor recreation, improved health outcomes, pursued
environmental equity, bolstered agricultural resiliency, and supported strong businesses and
good -paying jobs across the state.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota, as follows: that this body supports the constitutional amendment to reauthorize
the dedication of state lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust
Fund and urges Minnesotans to vote "YES" on election day - Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.
Passed and adopted this 17' day of June 2024.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
P0WEBEU AY
AWRE
Page 41 of 372