State Sen. Linda Higgins gets Met Council Kudos

Minneapolis legislator recognized for addressing regional water supply in face of growth

ST. PAUL—Feb. 22, 2006—Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL, Minneapolis) gets high marks from the Metropolitan Council for regional leadership. The Council, at its Feb. 22 meeting, honored the state legislator with a Regional Leadership Award for “Outstanding leadership in studying the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area’s drinking water supply.”

Sen. Higgins and Rep. Dennis Ozment of Rosemount were instrumental in helping to pass legislation last year that allows the Council to evaluate the ability of the region’s water supply to meet growth needs and develop a regional plan for efficient water use.

“Water supply is an issue that’s critical to the health and vitality of a region, like ours, that continues to grow and prosper,” said Council Chair Peter Bell. “I commend Sen. Higgins and Rep. Ozment for their support of the Council and this legislation, as well as their ability to recognize the role of regional solutions and problem solving in addressing local community issues and concerns.”

Sen. Higgins serves as the Chair of the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee and is a member of the committees on Capital Investment; Elections; Health and Human Services Budget Division of the Finance Committee; and Health and Family Security.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate income individuals and families. Council board members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Minnesota Governor.

Note: Rep. Ozment received a Regional Leadership Award at a January Council meeting.

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