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State Representative Terry Morrow said he was very disappointed to learn that one of the items Governor Pawlenty vetoed in the Environment and Energy Omnibus Bill was a proposal for clean-up efforts at Lake Titloe. State Senator Kathy Sheran also said she was extremely disappointed in the governor’s decision.

Over the past years, the quality of Lake Titloe has been seriously compromised from soil erosion along drainage ditches, non-compliant septic systems and the fact that the city of Gaylord’s storm sewer system drains into the lake. Rep. Morrow, along with Sen. Sheran, introduced this legislation to assist local residents with their clean-up efforts.

“The House and the Senate both recognized the merit of this project when they included it in the Conference Committee report,” said Morrow. “I’m very disappointed that, once again, the Governor doesn’t share this view.”

Morrow said the residents of Gaylord have worked diligently for years to clean up Lake Titloe and restore some of the beauty the lake was known for.

“The Lake Titloe Committee has done a great job and is to be commended for all of its hard work,” said Morrow. “We will continue to work on helping clean up Lake Titloe and the Minnesota River watershed.

This is not the first time the Governor has vetoed legislation for the Lake Titloe Watershed this year. The $200,000 for the storm water sewer drains is only one section of Sheran’s bill that made it to the Governor’s desk. Two weeks ago Pawlenty vetoed the entire bonding bill crafted by the Senate and House in conference committee.

The Governor said the $200,000 is more appropriately funded in a bonding bill. Sen. Sheran stated she cannot see the logic in that statement since Gov. Pawlenty has already vetoed the bonding bill with the other half of the watershed funding in it.

“This is a project that needs help from the state,” said Sen. Sheran. “This appropriation is such a small amount of money in the overall state budget, yet it is of great importance to the community of Gaylord.

Morrow said that there is a possibility that funding for these two items may be included in a capital investment bill this year. Funding to aid the city to divert storm water run off will likely be addressed in a bonding bill next year, he said.